Monday, November 29, 2021

A run-through on Greek architecture

Image source: worldhistory.org

The Greeks take great pride in their architecture. While their temples were the proper places to worship their gods, these were also a testament to their culture and society. These impressive temples were built on the highest point of each city in Greece and the captured lands in the Mediterranean. Joe Cianciotto.

Greece’s glory days can be found in the remaining structures in Turkey, Italy, and Sicily. Among the many good reasons these structures are still standing is that they are solidly built on marble and limestone. Moreover, these amphitheaters, temples, and other public structures were made of marble and limestone and glued together by iron pins and bronze, making the structures resilient to earthquakes. Joe Cianciotto.

Image source: ascholarlyskater.files.wordpress.com 

Greek architecture has three classical orders: the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The three orders refer to the construction and design of Greek and Roman columns, which are still used to this day. Doric is the other that has the shortest and most straightforward footing, having a vertical fluting and a flared capital. Ionic columns are lankier, having volutes on the capital that are scroll-like, standing on a decorative foot.

The last order and most complex one, the Corinthian order, has tall and thin features, including a decorative foot. It has acanthus leaves and volutes on its capital. Many of today’s structures carry the attributes of the three Greek architectural orders. Although countries and cultures may have revolts throughout generations, architecture remains the bridge between cultures and nations. Joe Cianciotto.