Greek Architecture Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What material was most commonly used in ancient Greek architecture?

Brick

Stone (correct)

Wood

Glass

Which of the following is NOT one of the three classical orders of Greek architecture?

Doric

Baroque (correct)

Corinthian

Ionic

What principle does Greek architecture emphasize as the secret of beauty?

Ornamentation

Proportion (correct)

Height

Color

Which aspect of Greek architecture reflects their love for logic and balance?

Balance and symmetry Signup and view all the answers

What role did religion play in ancient Greek architecture?

It influenced the design of temples. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Stoa in ancient Greek cities?

Offices and shops Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited as the father of European urban planning for his grid system design?

Hippodamus Signup and view all the answers

Which of these structures is NOT classified as a Greek Order?

Stoa Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Agora in ancient Greek cities?

As a center for public activities and commerce Signup and view all the answers

In the city of Miletus, what key feature surrounded its residential areas?

Defense walls Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the Doric Order?

It consists of a column with a cylindrical shaft and 20 flutes. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT part of the basic structure of a Greek temple?

Portico Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Corinthian Order from the other classical orders?

It has no flutes most of the time. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of temple arrangement do columns only appear at the front?

Prostyle Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the space in a temple where the statue of a God is placed?

Naos or Cella Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of the Ionic Order compared to the Doric Order?

It is more elegant and includes a base. Signup and view all the answers

Which ground plan features a double row of columns surrounding the building?

Dipteral Signup and view all the answers

What structural element supports the columns of a temple?

Stylobate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the colonnade in Greek temples?

To serve as a ceremonial passage and resting area for visitors Signup and view all the answers

Which temple in the Acropolis is known for its Ionic order and simple rectangular plan?

Temple of Athena Nike Signup and view all the answers

How many Doric columns are present in the Propylaea?

6 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Temple of Parthenon in terms of its structural layout?

It has two unconnected sections within the naos Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the height difference in the Erechtheum's construction?

There is a 3m difference in levels Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the Temple of Parthenon includes 360 human figures and many animals?

The frieze Signup and view all the answers

What construction method is utilized in the porch of the Erechtheum?

Ionic columns with Caryatids Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the Parthenon is rare in Greek temple architecture?

Approach from both sides Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of a Greek theater?

Auditorium and Skene Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Orchestra in a Greek theater?

It was the central area for musicians and dancers. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes the Telesterion from other assembly halls?

It utilized a forest of columns to support the roof. Signup and view all the answers

What architectural change occurred in the construction of theaters over time?

The structures transitioned from wooden to stone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Parodos in a Greek theater?

It is a passage for actors' entrance and exit. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key consideration in the design of Greek theaters?

Ensuring optimal acoustics Signup and view all the answers

What is the Agora in ancient Greek town planning?

An open public space for activities Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the seating in the Assembly Hall in Priene?

It was almost square with seats on three sides. Signup and view all the answers

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.