Architecture of Ancient Greece

There were three orders, or styles,

of Greek Architecture

Doric Ionic Corinthian

Let’s take a closer look…

A Look at Capitals and Columns

Wait, what is a capital?

Great question!

A capital forms the upper part of a column.

Let me show you…

A Look at Capitals and Columns

Wait, what is a column?

Great question!

A column is the vertical support of a building.

It consists of a base, a shaft, and a capital on top.

Let me show you…

A Doric Column

The Doric style is rather sturdy and its top (the capital), is plain. This style was used in mainland Greece and the colonies in southern Italy and Sicily.

Memory Hint: Doric = “dull”

A Temple at DelphiDoric Order

An Ionic Column

The Ionic style is thinner and more elegant. Its capital is decorated with a scroll-like design (a volute). This style was found in eastern Greece and the islands.

Memory Hint: Ionic = “in the middle”

Erectheion, in AthensIonic Order

A Corinthian ColumnThe Corinthian style is seldom used in the Greek world, but often seen on Roman temples. Its capital is very elaborate and decorated with acanthus leaves.

Memory Hint: Corinthian = “complex”

A Temple of AthenaCorinthian Order

So, why learn about Greek Architecture?

1. There are many Ancient Greek

buildings still standing in Greece.

On the Acropolis…

Or at Delphi…

2. Other ancient civilizations borrowed Greek Architecture, particularly the

Romans.

Like the Pantheon in Ancient Rome…

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In Nimes, France, a former town in Ancient Rome

3. The United States has borrowed from Greek

Architecture.

The White House

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The Jefferson Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial

The Supreme Court Building

Note the Corinthian columns

Harvard University

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MIT

And it ALL goes back to

Ancient Greece

The end.