Greek Temple Architecture

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason why Greek temples have an even number of columns?

To allow for the location of the entrance in the center

What term is used to describe a temple with six columns in front?

Hexastyle

What is the purpose of the colonnades in Greek temples?

To define a portico around the temple

What is the name of the rectangular space enclosed by the four walls of the temple?

Naos Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical shape of the plan of a Greek temple?

Rectangular Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the podium in Greek temples?

To elevate the temple above the surrounding ground Signup and view all the answers

How many columns are typically found on the side of a hexastyle temple?

Thirteen Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical lighting condition of the interior of a Greek temple?

Dark with only the entrance as a source of light Signup and view all the answers

What is the unique feature of the Temple of Aphaia at Aegina?

It has triangular pediment on the Eastern and Western sides Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the temple's orientation towards the east?

To allow the rising sun to light the statues of the God inside Signup and view all the answers

What is the orientation of the Temple of Apollo Epicurius?

North-South Signup and view all the answers

What is the unique feature of the Temple of Apollo Epicurius in terms of orders?

It has a blend of Doric and Ionic orders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following architects designed the Parthenon in 447 BC?

Callicrates and Ictinus Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the only Corinthian column in the Temple of Apollo Epicurius?

At the end of the temple Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the proportions of the Parthenon?

They are based on the proportions of a man Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Agora in Greek cities during the Hellenistic period?

It was a marketplace Signup and view all the answers

How many columns does the Parthenon have in front and by its side?

8 columns in front and 17 columns by its side Signup and view all the answers

What was the trend in Greek architecture during the Hellenistic period?

A focus on building more civic and government buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the subtle curvature of the columns in the Parthenon?

Entasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statue of Apollo in the Temple of Apollo Epicurius?

It is placed in an inner sanctuary Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the smaller chamber in the Parthenon?

Housing a treasury for offerings to Athens Signup and view all the answers

What material was used to create the statue of Athena in the Parthenon?

Ivory and gold Signup and view all the answers

What is the year range during which the Temple of Aphaia at Aegina was built?

420 – 400 BC Signup and view all the answers

What type of columns supported the roof of the Parthenon chamber?

Ionic columns Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Temple Architecture

The Temple of Aphaia at Aegina was built around 500 BC and has a unique hexastyle design with only 12 flanking columns.
The interior columns are divided into a row of two columns, and the temple has triangular pediments on the Eastern and Western sides decorated with stories from Greek myths.

Temple of Aphaia at Aegina (continued)

The temple was built between 420-400 BC and has a special entrance for the statue of Apollo, which faces east.
Unlike most Greek temples, the Temple of Aphaia is aligned north-south, possibly due to local tradition or topography.

Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae

The temple combines Doric and Ionic orders in a single structure, which is unusual.
The Doric order is used in the colonnades, while the naos features Ionic half columns, and a single Corinthian column is located at the end of the temple.

Architectural Characteristics of Greek Temples

Greek temples feature orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), façade elements, optical corrections, and plan organization.

Plan Organization of Greek Temples

Greek temples are typically rectangular in plan, lifted on a podium, and feature colonnades on all external sides.
The number of columns is always even to allow for a central entrance, with temples having odd numbers of columns being uncommon.
The colonnades define a portico around the temple, and the temple interior is typically dark, with only the entrance providing light.

The Parthenon at Athens

The Parthenon was designed by Ictinus and Callicrates in 447 BC and is considered the most perfect Doric temple ever built.
It embodies the perfection of the Greek system of proportioning, based on the proportions of a man (7:1).
The Parthenon is an octastyle temple with 8 columns in front and 17 columns by its side.
It features entasis, and has a doubled chamber naos with a large chamber housing a statue of Athena and a smaller chamber housing a treasury.

The Parthenon (continued)

The inside of the temple was often not used, and the roof of the Parthenon chamber was supported by delicate Ionic columns inside.
A massive ivory and gold statue of Athena, 11 meters tall, once stood in the inner sanctuary of the Parthenon.