HISTORY OF GREEK ARCHITECTURE

Summary

This video explores the foundational elements of Greek architecture, highlighting key terminology, column orders, and architectural features such as the Naos, Peristyle, and Crepid. It delves into Greek temple and theater structures, their design principles, and the iconic columns—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—used in temples. The video also covers notable Greek buildings like the Parthenon and the Temple of Artemis, emphasizing the architectural legacy that influenced Roman civilization. From detailed moldings to the significance of public spaces like Agura and Stoa, the video offers an in-depth look at the beauty and precision that defined ancient Greek architecture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ancient Greek civilization flourished from around 1200 BC, with architecture emerging around 900 BC.
• 😀 Greek architecture is renowned for its classical column orders and formal, symmetrical designs.
• 😀 The Greeks heavily influenced Roman architecture, particularly through their use of columns in temples.
• 😀 Key architectural terminologies include 'agora' (central public space), 'stoa' (long open building), and 'odion' (smaller theater for music and poetry).
• 😀 Major Greek building types include temples, theaters, stadiums, and civic buildings such as the 'bulleon' and 'pronaos'.
• 😀 The Greeks developed a sophisticated system of intercolumniation to determine column spacing and added optical corrections like 'entasis' to columns for structural stability.
• 😀 Greek temples had specific parts, including the 'naos' (principal room for the deity), 'peristyle' (colonnade), and 'crepid' (elevated flooring).
• 😀 Greek theater design featured distinct parts such as the 'orchestra' (performance area), 'theatron' (seating area), and 'parados' (side passageways).
• 😀 Greek columns followed three major orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, each with unique characteristics.
• 😀 Famous Greek buildings include the Parthenon in Athens, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and the Theater of Epidaurus.

Q & A

What are the key characteristics of Greek architecture?

Greek architecture is characterized by the use of classical column orders, symmetry, balance, and formal design. Its structures often feature columns, precise geometric proportions, and attention to visual harmony, with a focus on perfection and perspective in their layouts.

What are the three main types of Greek column orders, and how do they differ?

The three main Greek column orders are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Doric order is the simplest and most robust, with a plain capital and no base. The Ionic order is more decorative, with scroll-like volutes on its capital and a base. The Corinthian order is the most ornate, featuring a highly detailed capital adorned with acanthus leaves.

What is the purpose of the Agora in ancient Greek cities?

The Agora was the central public space in Greek cities, serving as a town square or marketplace. It was a hub for social, political, and commercial activities, where citizens gathered for discussions, trade, and civic events.

What is the function of a Stoa in Greek architecture?

A Stoa is a long, open, columned building used as a shelter or walkway. It provided space for public gatherings, shopping, and protection from the elements, and was often found in the Agora.

What does the term 'Peristyle' refer to in a Greek temple?

The Peristyle refers to a colonnaded porch or courtyard that surrounds the main structure of a Greek temple. It provided space for processions and often had a decorative role in enhancing the temple's appearance.

What is 'Entasis,' and why was it used in Greek columns?

Entasis is a slight curvature or bulge in the shaft of a column, used by Greek architects to create an optical illusion that the column appears straight from a distance. This technique also improved the structural stability of the columns.

What were the key parts of a Greek temple?

Key parts of a Greek temple include the Naos (main chamber housing the deity’s statue), the Peristyle (surrounding colonnade), the Crepidoma (raised base), and the Entablature (horizontal structure on top of the columns), which includes the Architrave, Frieze, and Cornice.

What is the role of the Skene in a Greek theater?

The Skene is the building behind the orchestra in a Greek theater, serving as the backdrop for performances. It was also used as a changing area for actors and often had a decorative role in staging the performance.

What is the difference between a 'Theatron' and an 'Orchestra' in a Greek theater?

The Theatron is the seating area for the audience, typically semi-circular, where viewers would watch the performance. The Orchestra, on the other hand, is the circular space used by the performers for acting and singing during the play.

How did Greek architecture influence Roman architecture?

Greek architecture significantly influenced Roman architecture, particularly in the use of column orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), the design of temples, and the emphasis on symmetry and balance. Roman architects adapted these elements, enhancing them with new materials like concrete and creating large public structures.