History of Architecture Overview

The founder of the 19th dynasty, Rameses I, is recognized as the beginner of the great hypostyle hall at Karnak.

Greek architecture primarily revolved around columnar and trabeated structures.

Marble was the cornerstone material for Greek architecture, and Greece and its territories had an abundant supply of it.

The Propylaea, designed by the architect Mnesicles, serves as the imposing gateway to the Acropolis.

The Parthenon on the Acropolis is often considered the epitome of architectural perfection.

The Romans made use of concrete, enabled by pozzolan, to achieve expansive interiors with arches and vaults.

The Romans added the Composite order to the existing Greek orders.

Byzantine architecture is characterized by its unique use of domical roof construction, which has been a defining element from the 5th century to the present.

Marble is a distinctive feature of Romanesque architecture in Italy, setting it apart from other regions.

The Pantheon stands as the most impressive and well-preserved ancient building in Rome.

The Pteroma refers to the space between the colonnade and the naos wall in a Greek temple.

Amphitheaters in the ancient world were designed for gladiatorial contests, serving as grand venues for entertainment.

Stoas were long, colonnaded shelters used in public areas in ancient Greece, providing architectural elegance while serving practical purposes.

The Acropolis, a fortified citadel, was a prominent feature of ancient Greek cities, serving as a strategic defense point and a symbol of civic pride.

Antefixes were ornamental elements at the eaves of tile roofs, concealing the foot of a row of convex tiles that covered the joints of the flat tiles.

Acroteria are strictly defined as pedestals at roof corners or peaks that support ornaments, and more commonly, they are the ornaments themselves.

The Anthemion, also known as the honeysuckle ornament, was a significant element of ancient Greek architecture.

Apothecae were storerooms in ancient Greece and Rome, particularly for storing wine, reflecting a key part of the social and economic life of these civilizations.

The anthemion is a common ornament used in Greek architecture.

The refectory, a dining hall, is found in monasteries, convents, and colleges.

Baroque architecture is known for its emphasis on curves and dynamic forms, creating a dramatic and expressive artistic style.

A cortel is the open courtyard within an Italian palazzo, providing an outdoor space within the structure's interior.

Tracery is the ornamental stonework that fills the upper part of a Gothic window, creating intricate patterns that add to the visual appeal of the structure.

The term 'cubicula' or bedroom originates from Roman architecture, reflecting a key element of their domestic structures.

Chartres Cathedral is renowned for its impressive display of stained glass, containing a total of 176 panes.

The entablature, a key element of classical architecture, consists of three parts: the cornice (top), frieze (middle), and architrave (bottom).

A Chinese pagoda typically has an octagonal plan, with a unique architectural style.

Chinese pagodas typically have 13 stories, adding to their height and visual impact.

A Japanese pagoda typically has a square plan, distinguishing it from its Chinese counterpart.

A pediment is a triangular piece of wall located above the entablature, completing the architectural composition of Classical buildings.

Pendentives are curved triangles that smoothly transition from the circular plane of a dome to support it on a polygonal plan.

A narthex is a long, arcaded entrance porch in early Christian churches, creating a transition zone between the outside world and the sacred space.

The nave, the principle part of a church, extends from the narthex to the choir or chancel, usually flanked by aisles.

The stylobate, the uppermost step in the crepidoma, provides a platform for the columns of a Greek temple.

The stereobate, the lowest step in the crepidoma, creates the foundation for the entire structure of a Greek temple.