Greek Architecture

The ancient Greeks developed three architectural styles called the Doric, Ionic and
Corinthian orders. Each style has its own flare and can be most easily identified by its
type of column. The Doric order employs the earliest and simplest column, which has
a capital (top) and a shaft (the length of the column) but no base. The Ionic order
called for a more decorative design that included volutes (scroll-like decorations) on
the capital, flutes (lines) carved into the columns and a base that gave the appearance
of rings stacked on top of each other. Taller shafts and a special bulge in them called
entasis gave the Ionic columns a leaner and more graceful appearance than their
Doric counterparts. The Corinthian order is the most decorative and elaborate of the
Greek styles. The Corinthian style is also the only one that employs a flat roof.
Limestone and marble were the materials most commonly used to construct the
temples and public buildings.

Roman Architecture
The architectural legacy of the ancient Greeks lived on in Roman architecture where
all three of the established orders continued to be employed. The Romans preferred
the Corinthian order and added their own flare to it by making it even more decorative
and elaborate than the Greeks had. While Roman architects followed the Greek
orders, they also experimented with concrete, arches and vaulting that propelled them
into their own right as architectural engineers. The Romans shaped the interior spaces
of their buildings to make them equally as remarkable as their exteriors. While the
Greeks are known for their columns, the Romans are known for their arches, which
were used for both design and support in numerous buildings and monuments.
Romans used arches to build aqueduct systems, which allowed them to funnel fresh
water into their cities. Arches were also employed in the construction of the
Colosseum and were even built to celebrate war victories. In addition to helping supply
the city with water, Roman arches led to the development of domed ceilings that were
used to build both public buildings and private dwellings.

Similarities and Differences between Greek and Roman

Architecture
The most obvious similarity between Greek and Roman architecture is the use of the
Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders. Though the Greeks developed the Corinthian
order, the Romans seemed to have favored it more and constructed more buildings
using that order than the Greeks did. Roman architecture borrowed heavily from the
Greeks, but the Romans eventually made a unique name for themselves in the
architectural world with their innovative use of arches and vaulted ceilings. Both Greek
and Roman architecture continue to influence modern architects.

Both the Greeks and Romans used columns. The Greeks preferred Doric columns,
while the Romans preferred Corinthian columns.
For example, the Colosseum is very similar to the Greek amphitheaters
*Both the Romans and Greeks had bathing sanctuaries
*Romans used brick and concrete

Similarities and Differences

Arches
Buildings
The Greeks and Romans both used arches. They used aqueducts and the Romans
later perfected the arches. Homes and amphitheaters are prime examples of the
uses.
*Greeks and Romans had very similar building techniques
*because the Romans adapted to Greek style and improved upon their structures to
make them better
*Romans built on a much larger scale

Decor
The Greeks and Romans used fountains and statues for decorations. These fountains
and statues mainly consisted of marble.