Greek Architecture Information

Columns are a standard element of Greek Architecture.

When most people think of Greek Architecture, they are thinking about the classical period of Greek building through the Roman occupation period, which is from 800 BC to 476 AD. The buildings made during this time were extremely influential on building designs throughout history.

Building Materials

The Greeks used wood and mud to make many buildings, but most of those did not survive. The primary building materials that the Greeks are known for are limestone and marble, which were used for the buildings of wealthy citizens, temples and governmental structures. Marble was more expensive than limestone, so it is more rare.

Columns

The most distinctive element of Greek architecture is the use of columns. On a purely practical level, these are a structural element, designed to support heavy roofs, and they allowed for the construction of large elaborate buildings.

Styles

There were three major styles of Greek Architecture, and the major defining difference between these styles is the kinds of columns they used. The Doric style used large heavy columns with very little ornamentation. The Ionic style used smaller and more ornate columns, and Corinthian style columns were about the same size as the Ionic, but they had even more elaborate ornamentation. The Doric and Ionic styles were developed first, and the Doric style was considered masculine, while the Ionic was feminine.

Influential

Greek architecture had an influence on world architecture that has persisted for centuries. One example would be the Greek revival architectural style, which uses columns and other distinctive Greek elements. This style peaked in popularity during the early 1800s and was especially popular in America.

References

• Thinkquest: Greek Architecture
• Dummies.com: Greek Architecture: Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian?
• RealtorMag: Architecture: Greek Revival

Resources

• Ancient Greece