Greek Temples Flashcards

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.