Ancient Greek Architecture
Thanks to the influence of religion in Greece, their architecture is the most beautiful and had the biggest temples. They had also political purposes and were used for celebrating their pride or success in war.
They developed 3 architectural systems called orders. The first one is the Doric style that is sturdy and flat at the top. It was mostly used in mainland Greece and in the colonies in southern Italy and Sicily. An example is the Parthenon which is a temple of Athena Panthenos (Greek Goddess).
The second order is the Ionic style which is more thin and elegant. The top is decorated with a volute and it was find in eastern Greece and in the islands. An example is Erechtheum which is a temple from the middle classical period of Greek art and architecture.
The third is the Corinthian style which is often seen in Roman Temples. Its top is very elaborated and decorated with acanthus leaves. It is the latest; it arrived in the middle of the 4th century B.C. The oldest example is found in the temple of Apollo at Bassae.
The second order is the Ionic style which is more thin and elegant. The top is decorated with a volute and it was find in eastern Greece and in the islands. An example is Erechtheum which is a temple from the middle classical period of Greek art and architecture.
The third is the Corinthian style which is often seen in Roman Temples. Its top is very elaborated and decorated with acanthus leaves. It is the latest; it arrived in the middle of the 4th century B.C. The oldest example is found in the temple of Apollo at Bassae.
Ancient Greek temples were the most important because they honored Gods. These same classical forms are still seen in churches today.
BY: DANIELA DIAZ SOTO AND ISABEL LONDOÑO MARULANDA 9A
