Ancient Greek and Roman Architecture: Temples, Orders, and Urbanism
TMA1
Doric Order
Definition: Doric order is characterized by a base (krepis or krepidoma) with three steps (the upper one is the stylobate, the lower ones are the stereobates), and fluted columns without a base, directly on the stylobate. The fluting (grooves) are typically 20 in number and are sharp-edged (no fillets between them). The column tapers upwards. The capital consists of a cushion-like echinus and a square tablet called an abacus. The entablature is composed of an architrave, a frieze with alternating triglyphs and metopes, and a cornice.
Ionic Order
Definition: The Ionic order is characterized by a more slender and decorative style compared to the Doric. It is often associated with feminine figures. The Ionic capital features distinctive scrolls (volutes) that provide a solution to the visual awkwardness at the corners. The column typically has 24 flutes separated by fillets. The column rests on an elaborate base. The capital consists of an abacus and volutes.
Corinthian Order
Definition: The Corinthian order is a variation of the Ionic, primarily used in interiors. The capital is highly ornate, featuring acanthus leaves and small volutes (cauliculi) that create an illusion of organic growth.
The Parthenon
Definition: The Parthenon is the most perfect building on the Acropolis of Athens. It was built after the Persian invasion. It was dedicated to Athena Parthenos (the virgin), whose statue was inside. The temple is octastyle (8 columns on the front and back) and amphiprostyle (having a portico at both the front and rear). It has two inner chambers (naoi): one housed the statue of Athena Parthenos, and the other contained liturgical objects. The Parthenon features superimposed Doric columns and four Ionic columns in the chamber housing the statue.
The Erechtheion
Definition: The Erechtheion is situated on the Acropolis of Athens. It replaced earlier shrines and includes the tomb of the founder of Athens and the marks of Poseidon’s trident. It also housed the sacred olive tree of Athena. The interior was dedicated to Athena Polias and contained several altars. The south porch features caryatids (female figures serving as columns) supporting a light Ionic entablature. The east porch has six Ionic columns, and the north porch has four columns in front and two on the sides.
Urbanism
Definition:
- Acropolis: The most important site in the city, located on the highest hill. It contained temples and shrines.
- Agora: An open, rectangular or triangular space surrounded by houses and public buildings. It served as the center of community life. Initially, it was bordered by private houses and shops, later by stoas (covered walkways or porticos) that provided shelter for merchants.
- Residential Areas: These areas maintained independence from the city center. Examples include Athens (irregular layout) and Miletus (regular layout).
Megaron
Definition: The “Great Hall” found in Mycenaean palaces. It consisted of three parts: a portico, a pronaos, and a naos. The earliest buildings were constructed of brick, large wooden beams, and terracotta roof tiles. They were very colorful, and their architectural style is known as the “Minoan order.”
Item 2
Characteristics of Roman Architecture
Definition: Axial organization, octagonal and rotational elements, use of indoor and outdoor space, decorative use of classical orders, use of arches, barrel vaults, domes, concrete coated with stone, influence of Etruscan culture (building systems) and Greek culture (use of orders, concept of beauty and proportion).
Forum of Trajan
Definition: The Forum of Trajan features a directional matrix that is axial. It includes a large open courtyard with two lateral exedras. The Basilica Ulpia has five aisles, a pitched roof, side access, and two rows of interior columns creating a large central space. It was roofed with wooden trusses and was the largest basilica in Rome. It had two judicial chambers in the apse. Trajan’s Market was a food market with six floors of terraced steps. It acted as a retaining wall and had three-story domed tabernae. The forum also included a monumental entrance gate, Trajan’s Column, two libraries (one Greek and one Latin), and a giant equestrian statue of Trajan. The final element was an exedra enclosure.
Pantheon of Agrippa
Definition: The Pantheon of Agrippa is the largest Roman structure built by substitution. It was a temple located in a forum. The cella is a cylinder on which the dome rests. The dome has a circular opening (oculus) at the top, 9 meters in diameter. The Pantheon was dedicated to all the gods. The oculus symbolizes the sun and the emperor. The materials used were very heavy, such as concrete, but with lower densities at higher levels. The pavements were made of marbles of different colors. The dome’s lining is lost, but it is believed to have been covered with star-shaped bronze pieces.