Greek Architecture PDF

GREEK ARCHITECTURE ( Greece’s Civilization)  Aegean architecture- refers to the architectural styles of the ancient civilizations surrounding the Aegean Sea, primarily the -Minoans (on Crete), the Mycenaeans (on mainland Greece), and the Cycladic culture (in the Aegean islands). These...

GREEK ARCHITECTURE ( Greece’s Civilization)  Aegean architecture- refers to the architectural styles of the ancient civilizations surrounding the Aegean Sea, primarily the -Minoans (on Crete), the Mycenaeans (on mainland Greece), and the Cycladic culture (in the Aegean islands). These civilizations thrived during the Bronze Age, roughly from 3000 to 1100 BCE, and their architectural contributions are considered significant in the development of later Greek architecture. Below are key features and elements of Aegean architecture by culture:  1. Minoan Architecture (Crete) – Palaces: The most famous example is the Palace of Knossos*. Minoan palaces were large, multi-storied complexes with open courtyards, intricate layouts, storage rooms, workshops, and residential areas. - Columns: Minoan columns were unique, typically made of wood and inverted (wider at the top and narrower at the base). They were often painted in bright colors like red. - Frescos: Brightly colored wall paintings depicting nature, religious rituals, and marine life were a prominent feature. - Light wells and ventilation: Minoan buildings used skylights and open courtyards for natural light and air circulation, a sophisticated design for their time. In Greek mythology, King Minos dwelt in a palace at Knossos.  2. Mycenaean Architecture (Mainland Greece) - Fortified Citadels:* The Mycenaeans built massive, fortified structures, often on hilltops. The walls, known as Cyclopean walls, were made of huge, roughly hewn stone blocks. - Megaron: The central structure of a Mycenaean palace was a megaron, a rectangular hall with a central hearth, surrounded by columns. - Tholos tombs: Mycenaeans are also known for their monumental tholos tombs (also called beehive tombs), such as the Treasury of Atreus. These tombs were large, circular burial structures with corbelled domes. - Lion Gate: The main entrance to the citadel of Mycenae is the famous Lion Gate, featuring a relief sculpture of two lions. Reference: https://www.slideshare.net/ArchiEducPH/history-greek-architecture-minoan-mycenaean Inclined blocks stones with inclined blocks  The word "architect" comes from the Greek word for master carpenter. "Tecture" means a dwelling or building. Most of the monuments and temples that remain today were made of marble or stone. In their time they were painted on the outside.  According to the Canadian Museum of History: “Generally, when people speak of “Greek architecture” it is usually “public” architecture that they have in mind — temples, theatres, market-places, gymnasia, commemorative structures, and given the propensity of the ancient Greeks for war, fortifications. After all, as Plato suggested, war is the natural state of mankind. [Source: Canadian Museum of History.  Socrates - First of the great Greek Philosophers. He is considered by many to be the founder of Western philosophy. Plato - Student of Socrates. He wrote many dialogues using Socrates as a major character.... Aristotle - Student of Plato. Aristotle was a philosopher and scientist. Top 10 inventions and discoveries of ancient Greece that are remarkably used today. 1. Discoveries in modern science 2. Concept of democracy The idea of every citizen has an equal opportunity of having in turn a share in the government constitutes the concept of democracy. 3. Modern Philosophy 4. Earliest practice of medicine It brings up important concepts, we still use today, such as doctor-patient confidentiality. 5. Basis of Geometry Geometry with or without a doubt one of the oldest branches of mathematics, if not older than arithmetic itself. 6. Olympics The modern Olympics are one of the greatest spectacle in sports of the modern age. But when Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the international Olympic committee started the first modern Olympic in 1896, he was extensively inspired by the ancient Olympics that used to be held in ancient Greece more than 2700 years ago. According to historical records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were staged on the ancient plains of Olympia. 7. Cartography Cartography is the study and practice of making maps. It has played an important role in travel and navigation since ancient times. 8. Alarm clock 9. Odometer One of the most widely used instruments in present day, odometers measures the distance travelled by a vehicle such as bicycle or any other automobile. Even though, the modern odometers are digital, not so long ago they were more mechanical, slowly evolving into electro-mechanical with the rise of technology. 10. Water mill Reference: Compilation of Architect Gerard Dy Reference: https://www.slideshare.net/AlanisCaliliw1/greek-architecture-78388822 GREEK TEMPLES-The chief building type of the Hellenic Period  The Acropolis particularly the Acropolis of Athens, served several important purposes in ancient Greek civilization: 1. Religious Center - The Acropolis was primarily a religious site, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens. The most famous structure on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a temple built to honor her. Various other temples and shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses were also located on the Acropolis.  2. Political Hub - The Acropolis was a symbol of the power and culture of Athens. It played a central role in Athenian political life, especially during the height of Athenian democracy in the 5th century BCE. Important decisions and gatherings related to the governance of the city-state often took place in this area.  3. Cultural Symbol - The Acropolis served as a symbol of Athenian democracy and cultural achievement. The impressive architecture and artworks, such as sculptures and friezes, showcased the artistic and intellectual accomplishments of the Athenians.  4. Fortification - Strategically situated on a high rocky outcrop, the Acropolis also served a defensive purpose. Its elevated position made it easier to protect the city from invaders. During various conflicts, the Acropolis provided a stronghold for the inhabitants of Athens.  5. Tourist and Educational Site - Today, the Acropolis is an archaeological site and a major tourist attraction. It serves as an educational resource, allowing visitors to learn about ancient Greek culture, history, and architecture. Overall, the Acropolis of Athens is not just an architectural marvel but a symbol of the religious, political, and cultural significance of ancient Greece. PARTHENON Athens, Greece.Ictinus and Calicrates Built from 447-438 B.C. in honor of Athena. The city patron’s goddess. Plate No.8 The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Architect: Ictinus, Callicrates Other designers: Phidias (sculptor) Location: Athens, Greece Completed: 432 BC Temple of Athena Nike, Athens.Greece.Callicrates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7ppCSzgAm4&t=493s&ab_channel=Tu esdayAnneG Erectheion, Athens Greece by Mnesicles The Erechtheion (or Erechtheum) is an ancient Greek temple constructed on the acropolis of Athens between 421 and 406 BCE in the Golden Age of the city in order to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena and generally glorify the great city at the height of its power and influence. 2,440 c. 421 BC-406 BC Old Temple of Athena/Age Agora- a market or meeting place in Greek. Agora- a market or meeting place in Greek. https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia_of_history/G/Greek_theatre.html Theatron- The ancient Greeks built open-air theatres where the public could watch the performances of Greek comedy, tragedy, and satyr plays. Stoa - in greek architecture a freestanding colonnade or covered walkway; also, a long open building, its roof supported by one or more rows of columns parallel to the rear wall. PRYTANEION-Senate house, a public town hall for the citizens of ancient Greece. BOULEUTERION- Council house with rows stepped benches surrounding a central platform. Odeon (Ancient Greek: "singing place") is the name for several ancient Greek and Roman buildings built for music: singing exercises, musical shows, poetry competitions, and the like. https://gr.pinterest.com/pin/399694535675712050/ Stadion or stade (Ancient Greek: στάδιον) was an ancient running event, part of the Ancient Olympic Games and the other Panhellenic Games. It was one of the five major Pentathlon events. It was the premier event of the gymnikos agon ("nude competition"). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippodrome The hippodrome was an ancient Greek stadium for horse racing and chariot racing. The name is derived from the Greek words hippos (ἵππος; "horse") and dromos (δρόμος; "course"). The term is used in the modern French language and some others, with the meaning of "horse racecourse". The palaestra essentially wrestling house a place used fo the instruction and practice of wrestling and athletics. consisted of a rectangular court surrounded by colonnades with adjoining rooms. These rooms might house a variety of functions: bathing, ball playing, undressing and storage of clothes, seating for socializing, observation, or instruction, and storage of oil, dust or athletic equipment. http://www.hellenicaworld.co m/Greece/Ancient/en/ Palaestra.html The Gymnasium was a Greek building originally used for athletic activities but which came, over time, to be used also as a place of study and philosophical discussion. The megaron was the largest room in any ancient Greek building, and it had characteristic architecture. The entrance to each Greek megaron featured an open porch, sometimes with an awning supported by twin columns. The megaron itself is a large, rectangular room, often with four columns supporting the ceiling. Prostas house  The Hippodamian grid system, named after the ancient Greek architect and urban planner Hippodamus of Miletus, is an early form of urban planning that organizes cities in a grid-like pattern. This system was revolutionary in ancient times for its regular, orderly design of streets and city blocks, contrasting with the more organic, irregular layouts of earlier cities.  Key features of the Hippodamian grid system include: 1. Rectangular street layout: Streets intersect at right angles, forming a grid of square or rectangular city blocks. 2. Zoning: The city was often divided into separate zones for different functions, such as residential, commercial, religious, and public spaces. 3. Public spaces: Open areas like agoras (public squares) were strategically placed for social, political, and economic activities.  References: History of Architecture Book by:Sir Banister Fletcher Global History of Francis D.K.Ching Compilation of Ar.Dianne Ancheta https://www.slideshare.net/Arsalanahmedmalik/ancient-greek-architecture-41280444 https://www.slideshare.net/AlanisCaliliw1/greek-architecture-78388822