Facts on Greek Columns

The classical Greek civilization was far-reaching and long-lived. It contributed to so many of our modern concepts and practices that it is hard to mention them all. Our alphabet, our democratic government, our tradition of public dramatic theater; all of these and many more owe their inception to the classical Greeks. Perhaps the most pervasive contribution the classical Greeks offered to successive generations was their architectural developments, aspects of which can still be seen in houses and buildings all over the world.

What Is the Greek Column

As the name implies, the Greek column was simply that: a column. More important, however, the various types of Greek columns each has characteristics that are used to identify entire architectural traditions according to date and style.

Types

There are three types of Greek column, each named for its area of origin in the Greek world: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian.

Doric ca. 550 B.C.

The Doric order is the eldest Greek architectural style, and its corresponding style of column is the simplest, tallest and widest of the three, characterized by vertical grooves that run the length of the column, its simplistic platform-style decorative top, or capital, and its lack of a base.

Ionnic, ca. 450 B.C.

The Ionic column is slimmer and shorter than its older cousin. It also has vertical grooves on the column, but it has a decorative rounded base, and the most recognizable top, or capital, of the three, with its double scroll motif.

Corinthian ca. 350 B.C.

The Corinthian is the youngest and most decorative of the three Greek columns. The Corinthian column continues the tradition of vertical lines on the body of the column, and has a rounded decorative base, but its most distinguishing feature is the decorative top capital, carved in the elaborate pattern of an acanthus plant.