HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE

GREEK AND ROMAN

ARCHITECTURE

SHENE M. CASTANTE
ARCH 101
Greek Architecture
Greek Architecture
• The Classical Period (c.500-323 BCE) • The Hellenistic Period (c.323-27 BCE).
• About 600 BCE, the Greeks set about replacing the wooden structures of their
public buildings with stone structures - a process known as 'petrification'.
• Limestone and marble was employed for columns and walls, while terracotta was
used for roof tiles and ornaments. Decoration was done in metal, like bronze.
• The typical rectangular building design was often
• surrounded by a columns on all four sides (e.g. The Parthenon) or more rarely at
the front and rear only (e.g. the Temple of Athena Nike).
• Roofs were laid with timber beams covered by terracotta tiles, and were not domed.
• Pediments (the flattened triangular shape at each gable end of the building) were
usually filled with sculptural decoration or friezes, as was the row of lintels along the
top of each side wall, between the roof and the tops of the columns.
• Principles of Greek Architecture: Classical Orders
• There were three orders in early Greek architecture: the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian.
• The Doric style was common in mainland Greece and later spread to the Greek
colonies in Italy.
 The Acropolis of Athens
Best known as the acropolis of the world, is an ancient citadel located on a rocky
outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great
architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis is
from the Greek words ἄκρον (Akron, "highest point, extremity") and πόλις (polis, "city"). [1] The term
acropolis is generic and there are many other acropoleis in Greece. During ancient times the
Acropolis of Athens was known also more properly as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man,
Cecrops, the supposed first Athenian king.
Map of the Acropolis, Athens
1. Parthenon
2. Temple of Athena Polias
3. Altar of Athene Polias
4. Erechtheion
5. Statue of Athens Promachos
6. Propylaea
7. Temple of Athene Nike
8. Sanctuary of Aphrodite Pandemos and
Peitho
9. Pelasgian Wall (Mycenaean Wall)
10. Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia
11. Chalkotheke
12. Sanctuary of Athene Ergane
13. Pandroseion
14. Arrhephoreion
15. Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus
16. Sanctuary of Pandion
17. Temple of Augustus and Roma
18. Memorial Agrippa
19. Beule Gate
20. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
21. Stoa of Eumenes
22. Asclepieion
23. Theatre of Dionysus
24. Sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus
25. Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos
26. Choragic Monument of Nicias
27. Odeon of Pericles
28. Peripatos
29. Klepsydra
30. Caves of Apollo Hypoakraios, Olympian
Zeus and Pan
31. Mycenaean Fountain
32. Sanctuary of Aphrodite and Eros
33. Peripatos Inscription
34. Aglaureion
35. Panathenaic Way
 Acropolis, Parthenon
The Parthenon is a resplendent marble temple built between 447 and 432 B.C. during the height of the ancient Greek
Empire. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, the Parthenon sits high atop a compound of temples known as the
Acropolis of Athens. It was the largest and most lavish temple the Greek mainland had ever seen. Throughout the
centuries, the Parthenon withstood earthquakes, fire, wars, explosions and looting yet remains, although battered, a
powerful symbol of ancient Greece and Athenian culture. Today, it is one of the most recognized buildings in the world
and an enduring symbol of ancient Greece .
Delian League
The Parthenon was the center of religious life in the powerful Greek city-state of Athens, the head of the Delian League. Developed
to thwart the possibility of an attack by the Persian Empire or other foes, the Delian League was a cooperative alliance of Greek city-
states founded in 478 B.C. during the invasions of the Persian Wars.
The celebrated Greek statesman Pericles is credited with ordering the design and construction of the Parthenon as a temple for
Athena—the goddess of wisdom, arts, literature and war—but it may not have been the first attempt to house the deity. An earlier
structure known as the Older Parthenon or Pre-Parthenon once existed on the site of the current Parthenon. Many historians believe
the Older Parthenon was under construction in 480 B.C. when the Persian Empire attacked Athens and destroyed the Acropolis,
although some experts dispute this theory.
When Was the Parthenon Built?
In 447 B.C., some 33 years after the Persian invasion, Pericles commenced building the Parthenon to replace the earlier temple. The
massive structure was dedicated in 438 B.C.
Sculpting and decorative work at the Parthenon continued until 432 B.C. It’s estimated that 13,400 stones were used to build the
temple, at a total cost of around 470 silver talents (roughly $7 million U.S. dollars today).
View and plan of the Parthenon.
DEA/A. Dagli Orti/De Agostini/Getty Images
Doric Columns
Athenian sculptor, Phidias.
Photo 12/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Pericles commissioned the renowned Greek architects Ictinus and
Callicrates and the sculptor Phidias to design the Parthenon, which
became the largest Doric-style temple of its time.
 Ancient Greek Temple

Greek temples (Ancient Greek: ναός, romanized: naós, lit. 'dwelling', semantically distinct from Latin templum, "temple") were
structures built to house deity statues within Greek sanctuaries in ancient Greek religion. The temple interiors did not serve as
meeting places, since the sacrifices and rituals dedicated to the respective deity took place outside them, within the wider precinct of
the sanctuary, which might be large. Temples were frequently used to store votive offerings. They are the most important and most
widespread building type in Greek architecture. In the Hellenistic kingdoms of Southwest Asia and of North Africa, buildings erected
to fulfil the functions of a temple often continued to follow the local traditions. Even where a Greek influence is visible, such
structures are not normally considered as Greek temples. This applies, for example, to the Graeco-Parthian and Bactrian temples, or
to the Ptolemaic examples, which follow Egyptian tradition. Most Greek temples were oriented astronomically.
Parts of the Greek Temple

Naos or Cella –
principal chamber;
enclosed part of the
temple where the
cult image was kept.
Pronaos or Anticum
– an open vestibule
before the cella.
Epinaos or Posticum
– rear vestibule.
Opisthodomos – a
small room in the
cella as for a
treasury.
HOW TO DESCRIBE TEMPLES
By number of columns at entrance (Front) Column
Name
Hemostyle – one column
Distyle – two columns
Tristyle – three columns
Tetrastyle – four columns
Pentastyle – five columns
Hexastyle – six columns
Heptastyle – seven columns
Octastyle – eight columns
Enneastyle – nine columns
Decastyle – ten columns
Dodecastyle – twelve columns
Three Types of Greek Orders
Doric Order
The Doric is most easily recognized by the simple circular capitals at the top of columns.
Originating in the western Doric region of Greece, it is the earliest and, in its essence, the
simplest of the orders, though still with complex details in the entablature above.
Ionic Order
The Ionic capital is characterized by the use of volutes. The Ionic columns normally stand
on a base which separates the shaft of the column from the stylobate or platform while
the cap is usually enriched with egg-and-dart.
Corinthian Order
In Ancient Greek architecture, the Corinthian order follows the Ionic in almost all respects
other than the capitals of the columns. The Corinthian, with its offshoot the Composite, is
the most ornate of the orders. This architectural style is characterized by slender fluted
columns and elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. There are
many variations.
Types of Greek Temple
Antis Temple
In classical architecture, distyle in antis denotes a temple with the side walls extending to the front
of the porch and terminating with two antae, the pediment being supported by two pilasters or
sometimes caryatids. This is the earliest type of temple structure in the ancient Greek world. An
example is the Siphnian Treasury in Delphi, built around 525 BCE.ntis Temple
Amphi-Antis Temple
A Classical temple with an in antis (see anta) portico at each end;amphi-prostyle:
apteral temple without flanking colonnades, but with a Prostyle portico at each
end of the cella.
Prostyle
An architectural term designating temples (especially Greek and Roman) featuring a row
of columns on the front. The term is often used as an adjective when referring to the
portico of a classical building, which projects from the main structure. First used in
Etruscan and Greek temples, this motif was later incorporated by the Romans into their
temples.
Amphi-Prostyle
In classical architecture, amphiprostyle (from the Greek ἀμφί (amphi), on both sides, and
πρόστυλος (prostylos), a portico) denotes an ancient temple with a portico both at the
front and the rear, where the columns on the narrow sides are not between antae. The
number of columns rarely exceeded four in the front and four in the rear. The best-known
example is the tetrastyle small Temple of Athena Nike at Athens. Other known examples
are the Temple of Artemis Agrotera outside Athens, and the hexastyle Temple of the
Athenians at Delos.
Peripteral Temple
In classical architecture, amphiprostyle (from the Greek ἀμφί (amphi), on both sides, and
πρόστυλος (prostylos), a portico) denotes an ancient temple with a portico both at the
front and the rear, where the columns on the narrow sides are not between antae. The
number of columns rarely exceeded four in the front and four in the rear. The best-known
example is the tetrastyle small Temple of Athena Nike at Athens. Other known examples
are the Temple of Artemis Agrotera outside Athens, and the hexastyle Temple of the
Athenians at Delos.
Pseudo-Peripteral Temple
A term in architecture given to a temple in which the columns surrounding the naos have
had walls built between them, so that they become engaged columns, as in the great
temple at Agrigentum.
Dipteral Temple
Is equipped with a double colonnade on all four sides, sometimes with further rows of
columns at the front and back. A pseudodipteros has engaged columns in the inner row
of columns at the sides. Circular temples form a special type. If they are surrounded by a
colonnade, they are known as peripteral tholoi.
Pseudo-Dipteral Temple
An ancient Greek temple with a single peristyle surrounding the cella at the distance of
two intercolumns and one column. Unlike peripteral temples, there is a greater space
between the columns of the peristyle and the cella; dipteral temples have two peristyles.
Temple "G" in Selinunte, an ancient Greek archaeological site in Italy, is a good example
of the pseudodipteral plan.
Tholos Temple
Latin tholus, plural tholi, also called beehive tomb, in ancient Greek architecture, a
circular building with a conical or vaulted roof and with or without a peristyle, or
surrounding colonnade. In the Mycenaean period, tholoi were large ceremonial tombs,
sometimes built into the sides of hills; they were beehive-shaped and covered by a
corbeled arch.
Greek Mouldings
Roman Architecture
Roman Architecture
This is exemplified by Roman architectural achievements in drainage systems,
aqueducts (e.g. the aqueduct at Segovia, 100 CE)
Sports facilities and amphitheatres (e.g. the Coliseum
72-80 CE)
Design was enhanced through architectural developments in the construction of
arches and roof domes.
Arches improved the efficiency and capability of bridges and aqueducts (fewer
support columns were needed to support the structure).
Developments in materials were also crucial, as chronicled by the Roman
architect Vitruvius (c.78-10
BCE) in his book De Architectura.
This is exemplified by the Roman invention of concrete (opus cementicium), a
mixture of lime mortar, sand, water, and stones, in the 3rd century BCE.
Like their Egyptian and the Greek predecessors, architects in ancient Rome
embellished their public buildings with a wide range of artworks, including:
Roman sculpture (especially reliefs, statues and busts of the Emperor), fresco
murals, and mosaics.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple and, since 609 AD, a Catholic church in Rome,
Italy, on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of
Augustus. It was rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian and probably dedicated c. 126 AD. Its
date of construction is uncertain, because Hadrian chose not to inscribe the new temple
but rather to retain the inscription of Agrippa's older temple, which had burned down.
Roman Mouldings
St Peter’s Basilica

This is the most famous buildings of Rome that glorify the empire. It is the one among the other 900 churches in Italy. Made by
artists who are the descendants of Renaissance artists, this church is considered the most famous structure of Italy. The lavish
bronze altarpiece of Bernini, Pleta of Michelangelo, the window-lined dome of Bramante, and so on, make this place a
magnificent piece of art. Every inch of the building inside is wrapped with marble and gold. So, you will be confused about where
to look first after getting into the church. Each corner of the church will fight among themselves to grab your first attention over
there. The exterior of the church is also created with great minds. The chole structure sits on a square and is surrounded by 140
statues in total.
Pantheon

You can see the domed roof structure of Pantheon from a very far distance and the view will attract you so much that you
cannot resist heading the building and entering the dome. It was built by Emperor Hadrian in 120 BC as he got influenced by the
creation of Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC. It was dedicated in the name of gods, and it is believed that the open hole at the top of the
dome is a direct road to heaven. The beauty of the complete structure changes under the sun.
Colosseum

Colosseum was built in 80AD and since then it became the most recognizable structure of all time in Rome. The smooth
travertine curves n this structure is irresistible for your eyes to stare at for a very long time. Once the building was more
impressive than the present as the empty arched openings initially had marble statues. Though in the middle its shine dimmed a
little, deep cleaning has brought out a new illumination from this stone shrine. It is attractive from the outside and from the inside
it possesses a lot to explore and admire. Never miss visiting this spot if you ever chance to visit Rome.
Quartiere Coppedè

This is made by architect Gino Coppede in 1917. Since using a single style in his art was against his taste, Gino used a blend of
several types of arts in his creation.Instead of presenting a uniform work, Coppede used several techniques including Art Nouveau,
some Greek influence, Baroque touches, some Gothic art and also some ideas from the medical period. Not only does this place
house a single edifice but a cluster of other private apartments, residences, halls etc. Each of these is adorned with ornaments in
distinct ways. These are not open to the public these days.
Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

It is located in Rome’s Via Del Corco which is famous for its large chain shops. Therefore in this busy area of Rome, a great piece of
work like Palazzo Doria Pamphilj makes the place more attractive.There is the random passage of visitors through the front of the
Palazzo. If you walk past this building you will be confused whether to look into your way or keep staring at the building.The severe
square façade hides an enchanting porticoed courtyard, but the true spectacle is in the museum upstairs. There are four halls in the
main gallery. There are oil paintings and marble bursts on the visible surface.The most amazing part is the gilded hall of mirrors. It is
mostly kept empty. You will be moved by the artworks on the walls of the halls that features the works of many great artists.
Temples of Baalbek

A major attraction and a remarkable archaeological site in present-day Lebanon, Baalbek is considered as one of the most
spectacular wonders of the ancient world. It also happens to be one of the largest, most prestigious, and most well-
preserved Roman temples built in the ancient Roman era. The first of the Baalbek temples was constructed in the first
century BC and over the next 200 years, the Romans built three more, each dedicated to the gods Jupiter, Bacchus, and
Venus respectively.
The largest temple among them was the Temple of Jupiter, which had 54 huge granite columns, each one around 70 feet
(21 meters) tall. Although only six of these columns survive today, their sheer scale is enough to show the majesty of the
Baalbek temples. After the fall of Rome, the Baalbek temples suffered from theft, war, and natural disaster, but they are still
able to conjure up the aura of magnificence to this day, with thousands of people visiting the famous Baalbek temples every
year.
Maison Carrée

Maison Carrée is the only temple constructed in the time of ancient Rome that is completely preserved to this day. This
marvel of Roman engineering was built around 16 BC in the city of Nimes. Maison Carrée is an architectural gem that
stands 49 feet (15 meters) tall and runs along a length of 85 feet (26 meters). It was built by Roman General Marcus
Vipanius Agrippa in memory of his two sons who died young. With the imminent fall of the Roman Empire on the horizon,
Maison Carrée was given a fresh lease of life when it was turned into a Christian church in the fourth century.
This decision spared this majestic temple from the neglect and destruction faced by many other Roman monuments and
landmarks. Since then, it has been used for various purposes such as a town hall, stable, and storehouse. At present, it is a
museum.
Amphitheater, Nimes

When this famous amphitheatre was built in the city of Nimes, the city was known by the name of Nemausus. From around
20 BC, Augustus started to populate the city and give it a structure more akin to a typical Roman state. It had a number of
splendid buildings, a surrounding wall, more than 200 hectares of land, and a majestic theatre at its heart. Better known as
the Arena of Nimes, this astoundingly large theatre had a seating capacity of around 24,000, effectively making it one of the
biggest amphitheatres in Gaul. It was so large that during the Middle Ages, a small fortified palace was built within it. Later,
somewhere around 1863, the arena was remodelled into a huge bullring. It is still used to host annual bullfights to this day.