Greek Architectural Elements to Know for Arts of Classical Greece

Greek architectural elements showcase the beauty and complexity of structures from 330 to 30 BC. The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders each reflect unique styles, while features like the entablature and pediment enhance both function and artistry in ancient buildings.

1. Doric order

   • The simplest and most robust of the classical orders, characterized by a fluted column with no base.
   • Features a plain capital and a frieze that alternates between triglyphs and metopes.
   • Commonly used in mainland Greece and associated with strength and masculinity.

2. Ionic order

   • Recognized for its more slender and elegant columns, which stand on a base.
   • The capital is adorned with volutes (scroll-like ornaments) and often features a continuous frieze.
   • Associated with the eastern Greek islands and conveys a sense of grace and sophistication.

3. Corinthian order

   • The most ornate of the three classical orders, characterized by a tall, slender column and an elaborate capital decorated with acanthus leaves.
   • Often used in monumental buildings and temples, reflecting wealth and grandeur.
   • Frequently employed in Roman architecture, showcasing its lasting influence.

4. Entablature

   • The horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of three main sections: architrave, frieze, and cornice.
   • Serves as a decorative and structural element, bridging the space between columns and the roof.
   • Reflects the architectural style and order of the columns it supports.

5. Frieze

   • The middle section of the entablature, often decorated with relief sculptures or inscriptions.
   • In Doric temples, it alternates between triglyphs and metopes; in Ionic and Corinthian, it may be a continuous band.
   • Provides an opportunity for artistic expression and storytelling in architecture.

6. Pediment

   • The triangular space at the end of a building, typically above the entablature.
   • Often filled with sculptures or reliefs that depict mythological or historical scenes.
   • Serves both a structural and decorative purpose, enhancing the building's visual impact.

7. Stylobate

   • The upper step of the crepidoma, which supports the columns of a temple.
   • Provides a level surface for the columns, ensuring stability and alignment.
   • Often slightly curved (entasis) to create an optical illusion of straightness.

8. Crepidoma

   • The stepped platform on which a temple stands, consisting of multiple levels.
   • Elevates the structure, enhancing its visibility and grandeur.
   • Typically includes three steps: the stylobate, which supports the columns, and two lower steps.

9. Column

   • A vertical structural element that supports the entablature and roof of a building.
   • Comes in three classical orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, each with distinct characteristics.
   • Functions both structurally and decoratively, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the architecture.

10. Capital

    • The topmost part of a column, serving as a transition between the column and the entablature.
    • Varies by order: Doric (plain), Ionic (volutes), and Corinthian (ornate with acanthus leaves).
    • Plays a crucial role in defining the architectural style and character of the building.

11. Architrave

    • The lowest section of the entablature, resting directly on the columns.
    • Typically plain or decorated, it serves as a beam that supports the frieze above.
    • Acts as a visual transition between the columns and the upper elements of the structure.

12. Metope

    • The plain or decorated panel between the triglyphs in a Doric frieze.
    • Often used for relief sculptures depicting mythological or historical scenes.
    • Provides a narrative element to the frieze, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the architecture.

13. Triglyph

    • A three-grooved panel that alternates with metopes in a Doric frieze.
    • Serves both a decorative and structural purpose, creating rhythm and visual interest.
    • Represents the wooden beams of earlier temples, linking classical architecture to its origins.

14. Peristyle

    • A colonnade surrounding a courtyard or garden, often found in temples and public buildings.
    • Provides a transition between the interior and exterior spaces, enhancing the building's openness.
    • Serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.

15. Cella (Naos)

    • The inner chamber of a temple, housing the cult statue of the deity.
    • Typically the most sacred part of the temple, often elaborately decorated.
    • Serves as the focal point for worship and rituals, emphasizing the temple's religious significance.

16. Pronaos

    • The entrance area or vestibule of a temple, located before the cella.
    • Often marked by columns and serves as a transitional space between the exterior and the sacred interior.
    • Enhances the grandeur of the entrance, inviting worshippers into the temple.

17. Opisthodomos

    • The rear chamber of a temple, often used for storage or as a secondary entrance.
    • Typically features columns and may mirror the pronaos in design.
    • Provides additional functional space while maintaining the symmetry of the temple.

18. Acroterion

    • Decorative elements placed at the apex and corners of the pediment.
    • Often sculptural in nature, enhancing the visual appeal of the temple's roofline.
    • Serves as a crowning feature, drawing attention to the building's architectural style.

19. Tympanum

    • The triangular area within the pediment, often filled with relief sculptures or decorative motifs.
    • Serves as a focal point for artistic expression, depicting significant themes or narratives.
    • Enhances the overall aesthetic of the temple, contributing to its grandeur.

20. Volute

    • The spiral or scroll-like ornament found in the capitals of Ionic and Corinthian columns.
    • Adds elegance and complexity to the column's design, distinguishing it from the Doric order.
    • Represents a key feature of the Ionic order, symbolizing grace and refinement in architecture.