Ancient Greek Architecture

Ancient Greek architecture is fundamentally a representation of the simple timber-post-and-beam design, expect the trabeated style is constructed from stone.

Trabeated - a post and lintel system which horizontal lintels (beams) are held up by posts (columns)

The lintels support a low-pitched roof that runs the length of the building. The triangular pediment created by the low-pitched roof is typically heavily decorated - a major feature of the Greek style.

The Orders

The Orders were strict rules that guided the design of Greek - and later Roman - buildings. These determined the size, shape and capitals of columns, along with the design of the entablature between the column capitals and the pediment of a building.

Capitals - the topmost portion of a column

Entablature - a continuous lintel (beam) supported by the columns; it is comprised of the architrave, frieze, and cornice

The 3 Greek Orders:

1. Doric

The Doric order originated from mainland and Western Greece. All 3 orders of Greek columns are fluted - they have semi-circular indents around the circumference of the column. Doric columns are designed with 20 flutes. The columns do not have bases, instead they are placed directly onto the stylobate - a continuous base supporting the row of columns. The capitals are simple, the echinus is convex, while the abacus is square.

The entablature is more elaborate than the columns. At the bottom, the architrave is smooth or divided by a few horizontal lines. The frieze adds the detail to Doric buildings. It is composed of alternating grooved triglyphs and carved metopes. The cornice finishes off the top smooth and simple.

The Temple of Hephaestus is an example of Doric design.

2. Ionic

The Ionic order was developed in Eastern Greece. Compared to Doric columns, Ionic columns are more slender, and have 24 flutes instead of 20. They have large bases with convex moldings called tori. The capitals contain two opposed volutes - scrolls - at the base of the echinus. The echinus is typically decorated with the egg-and-dart pattern.

Ionic entablature begins with the three stepped bands of the architrave. The frieze is typically a continuous ornament with sculpted figures, as opposed to the alternating design of the Doric. The top cornice is simple.

The Erechtheum displays Ionic design.

3. Corinthian

The Corinthian order is the most elaborate of the Greek orders. Similar to Ionic columns, the body of Corinthian columns are slender with 24 flutes. The capitals are more ornate, carved with rows of acanthus leaves and scrolls. The Corinthian order is seen as the most elegant due to its intricate design.

The entablature of the Corinthian order consists of a three-band architrave - the bands decrease in width from top to bottom. The frieze may be plain or ornamented, while the cornice is usually simple and smooth.

The Temple of Zeus is an example of Corinthian design.

The Layout of Greek Temples

The outer colonnade protects the inner sanctuary.
Colonnade - row of columns supporting a roof, topped with entablature

The inner sanctuary is comprised of the pronas, the cella, and the opisthodomos.

• Promas - entrance porch
• Cella - the heart of the Greek temple, holds the statue of the god or goddess and the altar
• Opisthodomos - exposed back porch

Ancient Greek Architecture brought to you by a future architecture student! I hope you guys enjoy this, architecture old and new has always interested me. In the future I plan to add more architecture pieces, as well as some recipes, there may be other things as well...just not sure yet. See you soon!

***none of the pictures are mine, I am simply using them as visual aids

• Jenna