RSW-MT-01

“ANCIENTT GREECE ARCHITECTURE”

AR 1161- HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 1
2625 – 7:30-9:30 F

CUDIAMAN, NOIMEE D. OCTOBER 20, 2023

AR. MARK ANTHONY DELA CRUZ
1.INFLUENCES OF GREEK ARCHITECTURE
A. Geographical Impact: Greece's coastal location and natural harbors encouraged trade, with early influence
from Phoenician merchants. The country's mountainous terrain and nearby islands created a resilient and
adventurous population, ideal for colonization.
B. Geological Aspects: Abundant marble resources in Greece led to the use of this refined material in
construction. Marble was often coated with a cement mix for smoother surfaces. Additionally, Greece had
valuable minerals like silver, copper, and iron.
C. Climate's Role: Greece's climate, marked by sunny days and heavy rains, influenced architectural features
such as temple porticos. Greek character combined the vigor of the North with the calm of the East, resulting in
a unique civilization.
D. Religious Practices: Greek religion focused on natural phenomena, with gods representing these forces.
Local cults were prevalent, and both men and women served as priests, distinguishing it from the centralized
Egyptian religious system.
E. Historical and Social Context: Ancient Greece went through phases, from Pelasgi in the Bronze Age to
Achaeans and later Dorians. Athens and Sparta were crucial, and the construction of the Temple of Corinth
marked the rise of Hellenic civilization around 650 B.C. Greeks valued their religion, excelled in arts, and
enjoyed outdoor activities.
F. Colonization and Influence: Greeks were active colonizers, especially in Asia Minor. These colonies not only
facilitated trade but also managed overpopulation and internal conflicts within Greece. They also influenced
Greek architecture, particularly the Ionic style.
2.ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER OF GREEK ARCHITECTURE
The passage discusses the profound impact of Greek culture on European progress, specifically in literature and
art. It explores the development of Greek architecture, ranging from the early Mycenaean period to the refined
Hellenic period, focusing on the use of columns and marble structures. The Greeks achieved stability in their
buildings through careful consideration of gravity laws and clever distribution of pressure between stone blocks,
eliminating the need for mortar. Greek architecture evolved from heavy and severe designs to more elegant and
balanced structures, featuring slender columns and intricate details.
The Greeks also employed optical illusions in their designs, using curvatures and inclinations to counter visual
distortions. Color, gilding, and intricate sculptures further enhanced the beauty of Greek buildings. The passage
also mentions the creation of the "Orders of Architecture," including Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles,
expanded later by the Romans. The evolution of Greek art and architecture is compared to a three-stage process:
initial inspiration, followed by refined ideas, and finally, the introduction of elaborate details and novelties to
compensate for diminishing inspiration, resulting in a somewhat imbalanced style.
REFERENCES: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/gsuiteintegration/index.html

3.DORIC, IONIC, AND CORINTHIAN ORDER

REFERENCES:https://smarthistory.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/07/GreekOrdersAnnotated.jpg

A.The Doric order

Ionic Capital, North Porch of the Erechtheion (Erechtheum), Acropolis, Athens, marble, 421–407 B.C.E.
(British Museum; photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) REFERENCES:
https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5175918109_d86a684ef4_k.jpg The Doric
order, an important style in Classical architecture, marked a significant shift from temporary materials like wood
to enduring stone structures in the Mediterranean region. This architectural style features plain column capitals
and columns without bases, resting directly on the temple's stylobate. The Doric entablature includes a frieze
with triglyphs and metopes, and the columns are fluted and sturdy. Originating in the late seventh century
B.C.E. on the Greek mainland, the Doric order remained predominant in Greek temple construction until the
early fifth century B.C.E. Notable examples include the Parthenon in Athens, designed by Iktinos and
Kallikrates around 447–432 B.C.E.
Examples of Doric Columns in Greek Architecture
1.The Parthenon

REFERENCES:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/
commons/d/da/The_Parthenon_in_Athens.jpg
The Parthenon, a famous temple built in the 5th century BCE to honor the Greek goddess Athena,
showcases the Doric columns. It's a peripteral Doric temple, meaning columns surround not only the front but
also the sides. The Parthenon's dimensions are 228 x 101.4 feet, featuring exterior Doric columns measuring 6.2
feet in diameter and 34.1 feet in

2.The Temple of Hephaestus

REFERENCES:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/
commons/thumb/0/0c/Hephaistos_Temple.JPG

3.The Temple of the Delians

 REFERENCES:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/
thumb/5/51/Temple_of_Isis%2C_Delos_01.jpg/1200px-Temple_of_Isis%2C_Delos_01.jpg?20120504195507

The unfinished Temple of Delians features Doric columns that sit directly on the floor. The Temple of
the Delians is an unfinished temple located on the island of Delos. A key difference for this structure is that its
columns are not fluted and sit directly on the floor without the benefit of a base.

B.The Ionic order

East porch of the Erechtheion, 421–407 B.C.E., marble, Acropolis, Athens
(photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) The Ionic
Order, originating in the coastal region of Ionia in ancient Greece (now
Turkey), is distinguished by its scroll-like ornaments called volutes on the
capital. Unlike the Doric order, Ionic columns have a base. This style
emerged in Ionia during the mid-sixth century B.C.E. and spread to
mainland Greece by the fifth century B.C.E. Early examples include the
votive column from Naxos and the Temple of Hera on Samos. The famous
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and elements of the Parthenon in Athens also feature Ionic design. The Ionic
order is known for its graceful and slender proportions, contrasting with the sturdier Doric order. It includes a
continuous sculptural frieze, unlike the Doric frieze with triglyphs and metopes. The style became prominent in
the construction of the Erechtheion on the Athenian Acropolis.

Examples of Ionic columns in Greek architecture

1.The Heraion of Samos

REFERENCES:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/
thumb/1/10/Heraion_of_Samos_2.jpg/1200px-Heraion_of_Samos_2.jpg?20151027175250
A single Ionic column remains standing in the Heraion of Samos. Built to honour the goddess Hera, the
Heraion of Samos was a monumental temple designed by the architect Rhoikos c. 570-560 BCE. It was one of
the first great Ionic buildings that was ultimately destroyed by an earthquake, leaving a single Ionic column still
standing.

2.The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

REFERENCES:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/
Miniaturk_009.jpg?20090326234024
This model of the Temple of Artemis, at Miniatürk Park, Istanbul, Turkey, attempts to recreate the
appearance of the first temple. Once classed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis
at Ephesus was an Ionic design. The temple was built by Croesus, King of Lydia, in 550 BCE. Also known as
Artemesium, the temple was famous not only for its size, sprawling over 350 feet by 180 feet, but for the
magnificent works of art that adorned it. The temple was eventually destroyed by invading Goths in 262 CE.
C.The Corinthian order
Corinthian column capital 4th–3rd century B.C.E. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art
REFERENCES:https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/main-image.jpeg

The Corinthian order, the most intricate among Classical architectural

styles, was used in both Greek and Roman architecture. It originated in
Corinth, where the sculptor Callimachus designed acanthus leaves
surrounding a votive basket. The earliest Corinthian capital comes from
the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, dating to around 427 B.C.E.
The defining feature is its ornate capital adorned with stylized acanthus
leaves, more elaborate than the Ionic order. Romans favored Corinthian
columns for their slender design, employing them in notable structures
such as the Temple of Mars Ultor and the Pantheon in Rome, as well as
the Maison Carrée in Nîmes.
REFERENCES: Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker, "Greek architectural orders," in Smarthistory, August 8, 2015, accessed
October 17, 2023, https://smarthistory.org/greek-architectural-orders/.

Examples of Corinthian columns in Greek architecture

1.The Temple of Olympian Zeus

REFERENCES:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/
commons/thumb/d/d5/Constantinou_Dimitrios_-
_The_Temple_of_Olympian_Zeus_and_the_Acropolis_in_the_background_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg
This 1865 photograph by Constantinou Dimitrios captures a small stone structure situated above the
last two columns of the main group at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion. This
temple, constructed over several centuries, beginning in 174 BCE and completed by Roman Emperor Hadrian in
131 CE, was an enormous and ambitious architectural feat. It featured exceptionally tall Corinthian columns,
each measuring 17.25 meters in height with a diameter of 1.7 meters and 20 flutes. Originally, the temple
boasted a total of 104 columns, each adorned with intricately carved Corinthian capitals made from two large
blocks of marble.
REFERENCES: https://architecturecompetitions.com/the-3-orders-of-ancient-greek-architecture

4.GREEK THEATERS, PALACES, PROPYLEA, TOMBS, AGORA AND PUBLIC BULDINGS

The Theatres

a.Theatre of Dionysos in Athens: Region of Attica, Regional Unit of Central Attica 23.727730E, 37.970383N
REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/
N6CHpiiqh2TSvYch9

The Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, positioned on the

south slope of the Akropolis hill, dazzles a beautiful view
on the antique city. In the fourth century BC the theatre
reached its fullest capacity containing up to 17,000
spectators.

b.Theatre of the Amphiareion: Region of Attica, Regional

Unit of Eastern Attica 23.845344E, 38.291581N
REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/
xtXqFiZRxqTtfSKp7
c.Theatre of Epidaurus: Region of Peloponnese, Regional Unit of Argolis 23.079200E, 37.596000N
REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.g/wm4LRFY8RwqKxcW48
The ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in Greece, built by the architect
Polykleitos the Younger on the west side of Cynortion Mountain, is
considered to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to
acoustics and aesthetics. It was used as a therapeutic and religious center
dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing. At its maximum capacity could
held from 13,000 to 14,000 spectators. The theatre mesmerizes with
positioning on a ridge of forested hills and lush greenery, an integral part of the theatre itself.

d.Theatre of Megalopolis: Region of Peloponnese, Regional Unit of Arcadia 22.127258E, 37.410170N

REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/cHUoxcd6VcGjqbLN9

e.Theatre of Argos: Region of Peloponnese, Regional Unit of Argolis 22.7196E, 37.6316N

REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/HKaKqaiZBaMDnBt46

f.Theatre of Delphi: Region of Central Greece, Regional Unit of Fhocis 22.500706E, 38.482450N

REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/8mtbL67iYsJsbrw
x8
The ancient Theater of Delphi in Greece was built on a hill giving spectators a view over the entire sanctuary
and surrounding landscape and could seat 5,000 spectators.

g.Theatre of Eretria: Region of Central Greece, Regional Unit of Euboea 23.790644E, 38.398603N

REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/pZkue7m2eRoPjXcM9

h.Theatre of Larissa I: Region of Thessaly, Regional Unit of Larissa 22.415256Ε,39.640315Ν

REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/EDZJgwb5NFWzJBjp
6

i.Theatre of Delos: Region of South Aegean, Regional Unit of Mykonos 25.268105Ε, 37.397040Ν

REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/HiUfEqV6JfTqxybL8

j.Theatre of Melos: Region of South Aegean, Regional Unit of Melos 24.421035Ε, 36.737823Ν

REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/VhiGah4Yf6aCJhV77
k.Theatre of Lindos: Region of South Aegean, Regional Unit of Rhodes 28.086576Ε, 36.089886Ν

REFERENCES: https://images.app.goo.gl/7fZbchKmvoeTY53h6

l.Theatre of Oeniadae: Region of West Greece, Regional Unit of Aetoloakarnia 21.199028Ε, 38.409614Ν
REFERENCES: https://images.app.goo.gl/exzgySincGzhQiYR6

m.Theatre of Dodona. Region of Epirus, Regional Unit of Ioannina

20.787700 Ε, 39.546492Ν

REFERENCES:http
s://images.app.goo.gl/oqE2VhsKDUY2SQjK7

n.Theatre of Aptera: Region of Crete, Regional Unit of Chania 24.141436Ε, 35.461272Ν REFERENCES:

https://images.app.goo.gl/KfEGdHpHtxNiy1GK6

o.Theatre of Maronia: Region of East Macedonia and Thrace, Regional Unit of Rhodope 25 ο 31.155΄Ε, 40ο
52.727΄Ν
 REFERENCES:https://images.app.goo.gl/
EfKEWeTNHXMVjf9j6
REFERENCES: https://www.metropolitanme.com/en/blog/interior-design-style/308-design-history-ancient-
greece-part3-other-public-buildings.html
PROPYLEA
Propylaeum, in ancient Greek architecture, porch or gatehouse at the entrance of a sacred enclosure, usually
consisting of at least a porch supported by columns both without and within the actual gate. The most famous
propylaeum is the one designed by Mnesicles as the great entrance hall of the Athenian Acropolis (begun in 437
BC)

The Propylaea, the entrance gate at the ancient ruins of the Acropolis,
Athens. REFERENCES:https://cdn.britannica.com/03/179003-050-
D2469DBE/Propylaea-entrance-gate-ruins-Athens-Acropolis.jpg
REFERENCES: Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2016, May 2).
propylaeum. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/propylaeum

TOMBS
the grandest structures next to the temples in Egypt, present little worthy of notice in Greece proper; but in the
colonies there are several of considerable importance. The grandest are in Caria and Lycia, to some of which,
constructed much after the ancient outlines of the Lycian, &c., reference has already been made. The most
singular of the pure Greek tombs are cut in the face of the solid rock, not in the forms of the ancient rock-cut
tombs, but much resembling those of the temple.
The rock-cut tombs, as eg. at Telmissus (Lycia), usually have a portico of columns in antis, with one or
more chambers behind. In one example these are about 12 feet by 9 feet, and 6 feet high.
Most of the columns are Ionic, few being Doric. In one case, the whole tomb, which is 18 feet 6 inches
deep, has been quite detached, the whole excavation being 26 feet deep from the faced of the rock. Many of
these tombs present curious examples of wooden details imitated in stone, e.g. the doors are often exactly like
those of wood, the panels, nails, knockers, &c., being copied in stone.
Of a totally different class is a tomb at Cnidus, in Caria, discovered by Mr C.T. Newton. It consists of a
square resting on four steps, and carrying four engaged Doric columns, with a cornice over the whole, being
about 31 feet square on the basement. Above the cornice are gradini, forming a sort of pyramid of steps, having
at the summit a lion, now in the British Museum. "Inside was a beehive-shaped chamber, with vaulting similar
to that of the treasury of Tares at Mycene, and with eleven smaller cells radiating from its circumference"
(Newton). Its supposed date is about 396 B.C.
More beautiful in detail is the tomb known as the Trophy, discovered by Sir C. Fellows, at Xanthus. It
consists of a peristyle of fourteen Ionic columns, standing on a high basement about 33 feet by 22, which has, to
all appearance, no access to it . In the centre, behind the columns, is a cella apparently solid also. The date
usually given to this is about 540. But the edifice seems to be somewhat too refined in detail for this time, and
another date assigned to it, viz., about 385, appears to be more likely. This would be about half-way, in point of
time, between the Erechtheum and the temple at Priene.
More curious, though less elegant, is another tomb at Mylasa, in Caria, which has a high, square
basement with a chamber in it. Over this, on each facer, are two columns in antis, with entablature, the space
between the columns being quite clear. Over the cornice are placed great stone beams, anglicise; on these,
others, again, crosswise; so that the bearing is rapidly diminished, and a rough sort of dome formed, resembling
those so often found in India. But of all Greek tombs the grandest was that of Mausolus, at Halicarnassus, in
Caria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, which has given its name to all succeeding great tombs. Its
date is about 352 B.C., Mausolus having died in 353. It was erect until the 19th century. Since then it has been
so utterly ruined that there was doubt as to its actual site. This was indicated by Professor Donaldson; and in
1857, Mr Newton discovered the actual remains. "It consisted of a lofty basement, on which stood an oblong
Ionic edifice surrounded by thirty-six Ionic columns, and surmounted by a pyramid of twenty-four steps. The
whole structure, 140 feet in heights, was crowned by a chariot group in white marble, on which, probably, stood
Mausolus himself." (Newton). The size of the basement was 114 feet by 92. A considerable number of the
fragments are now in the British Museum. The name of the architect was Pithos, and the sculpture, with which
the edifice was richly adorned, was executed by four celebrated sculptors, of whom we may especially
particularise Scopas, as he was also the architect of the celebrated temple of Tegea.
REFERENCES: https://www.1902encyclopedia.com/A/ARC/architecture-060.html

Tholos Tomb

REFERENCES:http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/
864/20213145.JPG
The tholos tomb is a round, beehive shaped structure famously built
by the late Bronze Age Mycenean peoples. These were royal
examples of the commonly employed chamber tomb. A rounded cut
was made into a hillside, within which huge ashlar masonry would
be employed to create a conical structure, with a wide entryway
leading to it, known as a dromos. The chamber itself was built by
placing each successive course of stonework out over the previous
one, tapering the diameter of the room gradually up to the top. The cut was then refilled on top of the structure,
creating a large underground chamber. The dead we laid on the floor of the main room, or in rare cases, in
smaller separate rooms built adjacent to it.
REFERENCES:https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/greekpast/4904.html

AGORA

REFERENCES:https://cdn.britannica.com/30/197630-050-
70E1D4DF/agora-Corinth-Greece.jpg
The agora was a central open area in ancient Greek cities
where people congregated for religious, political, judicial, social,
and commercial purposes. It was frequently situated close to the
harbor or in the middle of the city, surrounded by government
offices and temples. The region was surrounded by colonnades
(stoae), some of which had businesses inside.
In the past, there were two different kinds of agoras: archaic and
Ionic. Following the Persian Wars, the more disorganized archaic
form could be found in cities like Athens. Cities in Asia Minor that
exhibited the Ionic architecture were symmetrical and frequently took the form of rectangles or squares. The
design of the Roman forum was influenced by this style, which spread and developed further during the
Hellenistic and Roman periods.
The agora's use changed over time. The assembly in Athens was moved to the Pnyx, but the agora
continued to be important for some events, such as ostracism and court cases. The agora was divided into areas
for various trades and professions. Although separate buildings were ultimately set aside for these events, the
area also hosted theatrical and gymnastic performances.
Notably, respectable women were seldom observed in the agora, and those who were accused and
awaiting trial were not permitted. The agora was a meeting place for free males for commerce, conversation,
and recreation. An agora tomb was occasionally a distinguished award bestowed upon a citizen.
REFERENCES: Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, October 13). agora. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/agora

PUBLIC BUILDING
Types of buildings: Besides just houses and marketplaces, Greek cities had many different types of specialized
buildings. Many of these buildings can be found in most ancient Greek cities. Temples: Temples are the most
common type of public buildings in ancient Greece. The purpose of a temple was to store a religious statue.
Some temples were very large, but others could be very small, depending on the size of the statue and how
many people wanted to visit it. Perhaps one of the most famous of Greek temples is The Parthenon. Stoas: Stoas
were a lot like temples, but were longer than usual, and sometimes they were even two or three stories high.
These buildings were big because they were used as large gathering places for the public, such as market places,
public offices, and places where people could stroll and meet other people. Theatres: Theatre performances and
plays were a big part of Greek life, so theatres were an important part of Greek cities. Usually, they were built
into a hillside, where the public could sit along the hills and watch the action. In large cities, some theatres could
sit tens of thousands of people! Assembly Hall: An assembly hall was similar to a theatre, but was much
smaller. This building was used to have important town meetings. Gymnasia: Gymnasiums are still a common
part of most schools, and these buildings began with the Greeks. Parts of ancient Greek gymnasia were
wrestling grounds, which were open to the outside, and running tracks. Other parts of the gymnasia were lecture
halls and other smaller rooms where Greek athletes and warriors could train.
REFERENCES: https://www.ashfield.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Greek-Architecture-Topic-
Read.pdf
The oldest odeon known in Greece was the Skias at Sparta, so-called from
its resemblance to the top of an umbrella, said to have been erected by
Theodorus of Samos (600 BC). However, the most magnificent odeon was
the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the southwest cliff of the Acropolis at
Athens. It was built in about 160 AD by the wealthy sophist and
rhetorician Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife. It had accommodation
for 4,500–5,500 persons, and the ceiling was constructed of beautifully
carved beams of cedarwood, probably with an open space in the center to
admit the light. Similar buildings also existed in other parts of Greece: at
Corinth, at Patrae, at Smyrna, and other towns in Asia Minor.

Bouleuterion was another public building, very much alike to

theaters, which served as a meeting place for the citizen council of the
city, also translated as council house, assembly house, and senate
house. A selection of representatives met here to handle public affairs
and represent the citizenry of the polis. The bouleuterion generally
was a covered, rectilinear building with stepped seating surrounding a
central altar.

The Athenian Boule is better known as the Council of 500 (because

was comprised of 500 members). Solon was credited with its formation in 594 BC as an assembly of 100 men
each from Athens's four original tribes. At the adoption of the new constitution around 507 BC, thiswas changed
to 50 men each from the 10 newly created tribes. Each served a one-year term.

Stadium, Gymnasium, and Palaestra were other types

of construction, all dedicated to sports and training, but
with different purposes. The Greek stadium (derived from
stadion, a Greek measurement equivalent to c. 578 feet or
176 meters) was the location of foot races held as part of
sacred games. Best models exist at Olympia, Delphi,
Epidarus and Ephesus, while the Panathinaiko Stadium in
Athens, which seats 45,000 people, was restored in the
19th century, and was used in the 1896, 1906 and 2004 Olympic Games.

The gymnasium (from the Greek term gymnós meaning

“naked”) was a training center for athletes who participated
in public games. Only adult male citizens could use the
gymnasia. Athletes competed nude, a practice which was
said to encourage aesthetic appreciation of the male body,
and to be a tribute to the gods. These were under the
protection and patronage of Heracles, Hermes and, in
Athens, Theseus.
 The palaestra was a building, where wrestling was taught
and practiced. It consisted of a large square or rectangular
courtyard under open sky, surrounded by colonnades. Off
these colonnades were dressing rooms, lecture rooms,
bathrooms, and rooms for storing equipment. Wrestlers
practiced in all weathers. These were often positioned near
gymnasiums, other times a part of gymnasium complexes.
Most cities in the Greek world had a palaestra, while large
cities may have had several; some were privately owned.

Stoa is another Greek architectural construction that

describes a covered walkway or colonnade (portico) that was usually
designed for public use. Early stoas were open at the entrance with
columns, usually of the Doric order, lining the side of the building;
they created a cozy and protective atmosphere. Later examples were
built as two stories, and incorporated inner colonnades usually in the
Ionic style, where shops were located; here merchants could sell
their goods, artists could display their artwork, and religious
gatherings could take place.

Fountain houses were built all over the city to supply clean drinking water, and where citizens could fill their
jars and containers. Gathering water was seen as a woman’s task and, as such, it offered the women a chance to
socialize with others while collecting water.

REFERENCES: https://www.metropolitanme.com/en/blog/interior-design-style/308-design-history-ancient-
greece-part3-other-public-buildings.html