1. Western Civilization University High School 2011-12
Greek Architecture
Western Civilization
University High School

2. The Earliest Greek Architecture
first inhabitants of Greek peninsula (Neolithic people?) built primitive, basic structures
usually circular, oval, or rectangular
made with mud bricks and stones, with reeds or brush
typically one room

3. The Emergence of Temples
as city-states developed, temples were built for 2 primary purposes:
1. religious worship of a god(s)/goddess(es)
A home for god who controls part of nature…
2. military fortress
Why is the acropolis typically on top of a hill…?
Greek columns = most striking feature

4. Entablature
Cornice
Frieze
Column
Capital
Base

5. Parts of a Column
Frieze: part of the entablature that is often decorated with plaster images

6. Types of Columns
Doric
Ionic
Corinthian

7. The Parthenon in Athens

8. The Parthenon in Athens
construction begins in 447 BCE, ends in 432 BCE
replaced an older temple for Athena destroyed in Persian invasion in 480 BCE
notable for its Doric columns

9. Doric Pillars
Doric order = simplest (and earliest) ancient Greek architecture
invented around 600 BCE
most associated with Sparta
used in mainland Greece, and then many Greek colonies later
masculine look
simple, block-like capitals

10. Doric Pillars

11. Parthenon at Athens

12. Ionic Pillars taller, more slender than Doric columns
capital looks like a rolled up scroll
invented around 500 BCE
became dominant in Hellenistic period
feminine look

13. Ionic Pillars

14. Erechtheum at Athens

15. Temple of Athena Nike

16. Corinthian Pillars invented around 450 BCE
capital has flowers and leaves
not used as often because it was so ornate
more extensive use in Roman architecture

17. Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens

18. Greek Architecture Project
12 paper clips
8 rubber bands
24 inches of scotch tape
2 markers or pens
12 thumb tacks
16 pieces of 8.5 x 11” white paper
A base for your temple (cardboard, wood, etc.)