Greek Architecture

Origins Our word “architecture” comes from the Greek architecton, which means “master carpenter.” Early Greek architecture therefore used wood, not stone. These early structures, as well as those of mud- brick, have not survived.

Wood Features in Stone By the 6 th Century BC, stone replaced wood in the construction of important temples. Designs still reflected their origins in wood, however.

Origins

In moving from wood to stone, builders had to adapt to the differing properties of their building materials. Stone has greater resistance strength than wood, but it lacks flexibility strength (resistance to bending or twisting). Therefore, columns of stone had to be thick enough to resist snapping or bending under pressure.

Origins Greek temples, like Egyptian temples, used basic post-and- beam construction.

Origins Early temples had massive pillars as architects worried about their ability to support the weight above. Later temples appear more elegant. Temple of Hera, Paestum Hephaistion, Athens

Temples - Purpose Unlike modern churches or mosques, Greek temples were not meant to be meeting places for religious gatherings. They were homes for the community’s god or goddess and a place to keep offerings. A image or statue was usually located in the middle of the naos, or chapel.

Temples - Purpose In the mild climate of Greece, ceremonies generally took place outdoors. Even the altar, upon which sacrifices were made, was outside the temple structure.

Temple Forms Greek temples, like Egyptian ones, tended to follow set patterns. Variations are few and usually reflect one of the classical orders, rather than new and novel design.

The Classical Orders The three classical orders are: –Doric –Ionic –Corinthian

The Doric Order Doric columns are the heaviest in appearance The capital, or top of the column is plain. The shaft is thick – though it loses some of its mass over time. There is no base.

The Ionic Order This order has greater elegance. The capital has distinctive volutes, or curled scroll designs. The column is thinner than in the Doric order. There is a base.

The Corinthian Order This is also a tall, elegant form. The capital has distinctive acanthus leaf decoration. It has a base.

Parts of a Greek Temple The next section is vertical and is the column. –Most columns had a base (though not the Doric), at the bottom, a shaft in the middle, and a capital at the top. –The shaft may be smooth or fluted.

Parts of a Greek Temple Above the column is the entablature. If the column is the leg, think of this as the tabletop.

Parts of a Greek Temple PEDIMENT: Depicted scenes related to the god/goddess of that temple.

Plans of Greek Temples The greatness and value of a temple can be seen in the number of columns it has. Simple temples have blank walls around a naos, or chapel. With an open area or porch in front with two or four supporting columns.

Designs of Greek Temples

Grander temples, like the Parthenon, had columns surrounding the entire structure. Reconstruction of the Parthenon in Nashville.

Designs of Greek Temples

Grander still, and generally from the Hellenistic age, are dipteral temples. They have an inner and outer row of columns surrounding them. Artist’s reconstruction of the Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Turkey

Designs of Greek Temples

Important Structures – The Acropolis The most famous Greek buildings topped the Athenian Acropolis.

Greek Homes The homes of the farmers and laborers were usually small and made of mud- brick. The middle and upper class Greeks lived in houses very similar to modern houses today.

Andron = ________________ Gynaeceum = _________________ What social class do you think is represented by this picture?

Other architectural features…

The Greek Heritage Greek architecture had a lasting impact on the world. The Romans adopted it as an ideal, but modified it to meet their practical needs.

The Greek Heritage Today, elements of Greek architecture surround us everywhere, from the Doric columns gracing local homes to the great Ionic capitals of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The Greek Heritage Greek forms have become an integral part of the vocabulary of world architecture The Supreme Court of the United States