Greek to Roman Architecture Quiz

Historical Timeline of Architecture

• Architecture evolved through distinct periods: Pre-Historic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Early Christian, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Modern.
• Egyptian and Near Eastern influences were critical in the development of architectural styles.

Greek: Geographical Influence

• Surrounded by sea on three sides, Greece had numerous natural harbors advantageous for trade.
• The mountainous terrain divided inhabitants into rival clans, impacting communication and culture.
• The geography led to the development of islands that hindered easy communication among communities.

Greek: Geological Influence

• Marble served as the primary building material, known for its purity of line and detailed craftsmanship.
• Greece was rich in various metals, including silver, copper, and iron, enhancing its architectural potential.

Greek: Climatic Influence

• The climate promoted an outdoor lifestyle, with many public and religious ceremonies occurring in open air.
• Colonnades and porticoes were prominent architectural features, accommodating the hot sun and sudden rain.

Greek: Religious Influence

• Early Aegeans worshipped nature, with priestesses performing rites.
• Greeks created large statues to honor deities, worshiping natural phenomena, ancestors, and deified heroes.

Greek: Social & Political Influence

• Popular activities included music, dancing, wrestling, and gymnastics, often linked to religious beliefs.
• National games and festivals fostered unity and appreciation for the fine arts, enhancing cultural identity.
• Open-air life shaped public ceremonies and governance, with system variations including tyranny, aristocracy, and democracy.

Greek: Historical Influence

• Early developments included Aegeans, Minoans, and Myceneans (3000 BC – 700 BC).
• The Hellenic Period marked the peak of Greek cultural influence encompassing arts, literature, architecture, and philosophy.

Greek: Architectural Character

• Aegean architecture displayed roughness and massiveness.
• Hellenic architecture emphasized simplicity, harmony, purity of lines, perfect proportions, and refined details, often referred to as "carpentry in marble."

Greek: Architectural Features (Aegean Period)

• Characterized by low or flat roofs and the development of stairways for vertical movement.
• Key building types included "Megaron" houses and palaces.
• Walling techniques included Cyclopean, Polygonal, Rectangular, and Inclined blocks.

Greek: Architectural Features (Hellenic Period)

• Featured rectangular planning and propylaea as temple gateways.
• Temples encircled by colonnades; lacked ceilings but utilized lacquered timber coffer designs.
• Walls constructed from stone, decorated with marble sculptures and mural paintings.
• Entasis used to create optical illusions, correcting the visual perception of sagging or dropping lines.