The Ionic columns feature a column with a decorated base and are taller, thinner, than the Doric columns. Ionic OrderĪs its name suggests, the Ionic Order traces its roots in Ionia, present-day Turkey. Some iconic examples of the Doric Orders include the Parthenon, Temple of Hephaestus, and the Temple of the Delians. The Doric Order bears a significant moment in architecture as it signalled the shift of construction material from temporary ones (wood) to permanent and more durable mediums (stones). Meanwhile, the frieze is characterized by alternating metopes and triglyphs. It features baseless columns and smooth, round and unadorned capitals (crown). The Doric Order is the oldest, simplest, and thickest of the Greek orders. Orders vary mainly in the columns’ shape and the frieze’s decoration. There are five orders in Classical Architecture, but three of them were devised by the ancient Greeks: the Doric, the Ionic, and Corinthian. There were three systems used in the style of the buildings called orders. Facts About the Greek Architectural Orders Other structural forms include the gymnasia (gymnasium), colonnades (stoas), mausoleum, stadium, bouleuterion (town council building), which all played integral functions in ancient Greek life.
The Ancient Agora of Athens is the prime example of the structure. Moreover, it is strategically located at the heart of the city or near its harbor and was mainly used as the citizens’ meeting ground both for commercial and social purposes and for conducting the city’s legal, political and administrative duties. It is similar to a theater, as it features open space, but is relatively smaller. Assembly HallsĪnother specialized building is the agora or the assembly hall. Most of these theaters were constructed along hillsides and were capable of holding thousands of spectators. Later on, these theaters encompassed their initial purposes, and were utilized to hold theater performances. Nearly all of all Greek cities had a theater as it initially served as the venue for many religious festivals, honoring god Dionysus, and aimed to encourage peace among cities and individuals.
Open-Air TheatersĪside from temples, another type of building that became prevalent in the Hellenic era was the open-air theaters. Perhaps the most popular temple made was the Parthenon, built for the Greek goddess Athena. Temples stored religious statues and became the people’s place of worship. They are the most common type of structures made in ancient Greece, dedicated to their different gods and goddesses.
Truth to be told, thinking about ancient Greek architecture usually pertains to its temples. Facts About Greek Architectural Structures Temples Read below some of the most interesting facts about Greek architecture that will give you a glimpse of why it persisted through the ages. No surprise, as Greek architects flair for columns, simplicity, symmetry, balance, harmony, and perspective is undoubtedly remarkable, giving birth to many awe-inspiring edifices and serving as the foundation of classical architecture. Greek architecture is renowned across the world, as it provided some of the best and stunning structures in ancient times, which has inspired many towns and cities that came after them and even transcended to museums, monuments, and government buildings throughout the globe today.