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Questions and Answers
What material was most commonly used in ancient Greek architecture?
Which of the following is NOT one of the three classical orders of Greek architecture?
What principle does Greek architecture emphasize as the secret of beauty?
Which aspect of Greek architecture reflects their love for logic and balance?
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What role did religion play in ancient Greek architecture?
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What is the function of the Stoa in ancient Greek cities?
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Who is credited as the father of European urban planning for his grid system design?
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Which of these structures is NOT classified as a Greek Order?
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What was the purpose of the Agora in ancient Greek cities?
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In the city of Miletus, what key feature surrounded its residential areas?
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What is a characteristic feature of the Doric Order?
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Which element is NOT part of the basic structure of a Greek temple?
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What distinguishes the Corinthian Order from the other classical orders?
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In which type of temple arrangement do columns only appear at the front?
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Which term describes the space in a temple where the statue of a God is placed?
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What is a common feature of the Ionic Order compared to the Doric Order?
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Which ground plan features a double row of columns surrounding the building?
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What structural element supports the columns of a temple?
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What is the primary function of the colonnade in Greek temples?
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Which temple in the Acropolis is known for its Ionic order and simple rectangular plan?
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How many Doric columns are present in the Propylaea?
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What distinguishes the Temple of Parthenon in terms of its structural layout?
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What is notable about the height difference in the Erechtheum's construction?
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Which feature of the Temple of Parthenon includes 360 human figures and many animals?
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What construction method is utilized in the porch of the Erechtheum?
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Which feature of the Parthenon is rare in Greek temple architecture?
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What are the two main components of a Greek theater?
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What was the role of the Orchestra in a Greek theater?
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Which feature distinguishes the Telesterion from other assembly halls?
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What architectural change occurred in the construction of theaters over time?
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What is the purpose of the Parodos in a Greek theater?
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What was a key consideration in the design of Greek theaters?
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What is the Agora in ancient Greek town planning?
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Which statement is true about the seating in the Assembly Hall in Priene?
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Study Notes
Introduction
- Greek Architecture flourished between 900 BC and 1st century AD
- Greek Architecture is known for its temples
- Greeks are credited with originating the three classical orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian
- The secret of beauty in Greek architecture lies in its proportions.
Temples
- Temples were the most important buildings in Ancient Greek architecture
- Early temples evolved from "megaron" structures
- Temples were positioned on a stylobate, surrounded by free-standing colonnades
- The temple contained the "naos" - the main room for the statue of the god
- Temples also included the "pronaos" (front porch) and "opisthodomos" (back porch)
- Temples featured gabled roofs, covered with tiles and supported by wooden structures.
Types of Temples
- Prostyle - Columns only at the front of the temple
- Amphiprostyle - Columns at both the front and back of the temple
- Dipteral - Double row of columns surrounding the temple
- Tholos - Circular ground plan temple
Temple Key Components
- Colonnade: Row of columns around the temple
- Stylobate: Horizontal base of the temple
- Pronaos: Front porch (open entrance)
- Naos or Cella: Space for the God (statue)
- Opisthodomos: Back porch
Early Temple Construction
- Early temples were constructed with a combination of stone, mud bricks, and wood
- As building techniques advanced, larger temples were constructed using stone and marble
Acropolis
- The acropolis is the highest point in any Greek city
- It housed the most important temples in the city
- The Acropolis of Athens is a prime example of a temple complex during the classical period
- Temples on the Acropolis each possessed geometric characteristics, but did not as a collective
- This irregularity was influenced by the shape and natural slopes of the terrain
Acropolis Structures
- Propylaea: Monumental entrance porch to the holy area
- Temple of Athena Nike: Built in the Ionic order, rectangular plan with a single "naos" and two porches with four Ionic columns.
- Temple of Parthenon: Construction lasted 10 years, with an additional 5 years for decoration. Built from stone and marble.
- Temple of Erechteum: Built on an irregular ground level with slopes to the north and west. Constructed on two levels with a 3m difference in elevation.
Parthenon
- 8 columns on the front, 17 on the long sides
- Approachable on both sides - rare, as the public had limited access inside
- The "naos" was divided into two unconnected sections, each with a porch
- Eastern "naos" housed a 13m tall ivory statue of Athena, surrounded by a Doric colonnade
- The western "naos" had four huge Ionic columns directly supporting the roof
- Features a frieze 1m high, 160m long, with 360 human figures and animals
- 28m long pediments with 50 figures, some measuring 3m tall
Erechteum
- Built on a sloping terrain, with a 3m difference between the two levels
- Simple rectangular plan
- Eastern entrance with a width matching the building size
- Porch composed of six Ionic columns with a height of 6.6m
- Southern side features a small porch with a low entablature, lacking a frieze
- Decorated with six Caryatids (female figures acting as columns) carved from marble
Public Buildings
- Built to shelter a large number of people for gatherings, hearings, or viewing events
- Unroofed Structures: Theaters
- Roofed Structures: Assembly halls
Theaters
- Used for performances and public meetings
- Situated on natural hillside slopes
- Comprised of two parts:
- Auditorium: Semicircular shape
- Skene: Lower rectangular building with 3 or more rooms used by actors
- Proskenium: Front porch placed in front of the "skene"
- Orchestra: Center circle used by dancers, musicians, and singers.
- Parodos: Two passages separating the "skene" and the auditorium
- Auditorium built on two different slopes: upper steeper than lower
- Transitioned from wooden construction to more permanent stone structures
- Designed for acoustics
Assembly Halls
- Telesterion: Built in the second half of the 6th century BC. Rectangular hall, almost square. Seats along walls
- Assembly Hall in Priene: Built in the 4th century BC. Capacity of 700 people. Almost square. Seats on 3 sides. Row of 14 pillars behind the seating and passage.
Town Planning
- Greeks valued beauty in their cities, and it was reflected in their town planning.
- The city center was an open space (Agora), used for various activities
- Main streets from different directions converged at the Agora, often marked by fountains at the corners.
- The city was composed of houses and various structures like theaters, gymnasia, schools, and gardens.
- This arrangement showcased the balance between private and public life in ancient Greek cities
Stoa
- Long structure with a porch and colonnade in front, with offices and shops behind.
City of Priene
- Grid plan used: 6 main streets east-west, 15 secondary streets north-south
- Dates back to the 4th century BC
Hippodamus and the City of Miletus
- Hippodamus, considered the father of European urban planning, developed a grid system for town planning.
- The city of Miletus showcases this approach, dating back to the 5th and 4th centuries BC.
- He organized public buildings in the city center, surrounded by residential areas
- Residential blocks were divided into larger and smaller houses, based on size.
- City walls were built with a buffer space for greenery, separating houses from the city wall.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Greek architecture, covering its origins, famous temple designs, and the classical orders. Explore the significance of proportions and major structural features that define this ancient architectural style.