Greek Temples Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes the Doric Order in Greek architecture?

A single row of columns around the temple

Heavy fluted columns with plain capitals (correct)

A complex elongated capital with acanthus leaf carvings

Columns with spiral volute capitals

What is the Ionic Order known for?

Spiral volute elements in its capital.

What is the main feature of the Corinthian Order?

Elaborately decorated capital with acanthus leaf carvings.

What is the purpose of the naos (cella) in a temple?

To house the main cult image. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'peripteral' refer to in Greek classical architecture?

A colonnade of a single row of columns around the cella. Signup and view all the answers

What is a stylobate?

The uppermost course of the platform of a Greek temple. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'stereobate' in the context of Greek architecture.

The foundation upon which a classical temple stands. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pediment?

A triangular space between the entablature and the roof. Signup and view all the answers

What is entasis in classical architecture?

A slight swelling in the center of a column. Signup and view all the answers

What are caryatids?

Sculptures of draped female figures used as columns. Signup and view all the answers

What does elevation refer to in architecture?

The side view of a vertical external wall of a building. Signup and view all the answers

What is an entablature?

A horizontal lintel supported by columns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a column shaft?

The vertical part of a column between the capital and base. Signup and view all the answers

What are flutes in classical architecture?

Channels in a vertical position used to embellish columns. Signup and view all the answers

What are drums in the context of columns?

Cylindrical stone blocks composing a column. Signup and view all the answers

What are capitals in architecture?

The architectural features that crown a column. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Iktinos and Kallikrates?

Architects credited with the design of the Parthenon. Signup and view all the answers

What is an abacus in classical architecture?

A thick rectangular slab of stone on top of a capital. Signup and view all the answers

What is an architrave?

The lowest horizontal component of a classical entablature. Signup and view all the answers

What is a frieze in architecture?

A decorative band above the architrave. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Panathenaic Procession?

An Athenian festival held in honor of the goddess Athena. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Doric Order

Oldest and simplest classical Greek architectural order.
Features heavy fluted columns with plain, saucer-shaped capitals and no base.

Ionic Order

Developed in the Greek colonies of Asia Minor during the 6th century BCE.
Identified by spiral volute elements on its capital and dentils in the cornice.
Fluted columns are thinner and smaller, resting on a molded base.
Entablature composed of three-fascia architrave, richly ornamented frieze, and cornice.

Corinthian Order

Most ornate and embellished order, featuring a decorated capital with acanthus leaves.
Developed in the 4th century BCE; more common in Roman architecture.
Similar to Ionic but typically more slender.

Naos (Cella)

Inner sanctum of an ancient temple, housing the main cult image.

Peripteral

Refers to a colonnade of a single row of columns encircling the cella and porches of a temple.

Stylobate

The uppermost platform course that supports the columns of a Greek temple, featuring steps on all sides.

Stereobate

The foundational steps of a Greek temple, supporting the structure above.

Pediment

Triangular space between the horizontal entablature and a sloping roof, often adorned with ornamental sculpture.

Entasis

A slight bulge in the center of a column, correcting the visual illusion of concave tapering.

Caryatids

Sculpted female figures that act as columns, supporting an entablature.

Elevation

Side view of a vertical external wall of a building.

Entablature

Horizontal component supported by columns or walls, consisting of an architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Column Shaft

The vertical section of a column located between its capital and base.

Flutes

Parallel concave grooves that embellish columns and furniture legs.

Drums

Cylindrical stone blocks that make up a column.

Capitals

Architectural elements that crown each column.

Iktinos and Kallikrates

Prominent architects credited with the design of the Parthenon in Athens during Pericles' rule around 440 BCE.

Abacus

A thick rectangular slab of stone atop a capital, providing support for the architrave.

Architrave

The lowest component of a classical entablature, designed as a square beam.

Frieze

A decorative band located above the architrave, typically featuring relief sculptures.

Panathenaic Procession

A significant event every four years in Athens, featuring a procession to present a robe to the statue of Athena.
Celebrated during the Panathenaea festival; depicted in the Parthenon’s ionic frieze.

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Description

Explore the essential architectural styles of ancient Greece with these flashcards. Learn about the Doric and Ionic Orders, their characteristics, and their significance in classical architecture. Perfect for students of art history and architecture.