1. Greek Architecture

2. Temples
Greek life was dominated by religion: their temples were the biggest and most beautiful
Political purpose: to celebrate civic power and pride, thanksgiving to patron deity for success in war
Greek life was dominated by religion, and so it is not surprising that the temples of ancient Greece were the biggest and most beautiful. They also had a political purpose, as they were often built to celebrate civic power and pride, or offer thanksgiving to the patron deity of a city for success in war.

4. Greek temples were not meant to be meeting places for congregations.
They were homes for the community’s god or goddess and a place to keep offerings.
Religious festivals were held outdoors.
Unlike modern churches or mosques,…

5. Materials: marble and limestone (abundant in this area)
Originally were painted

6. Acropolis

7. Characteristics
Above the column is the entablature. If the column is the leg, think of this as the tabletop.
3 parts:
Architrave (base)
Freize (decorated part)
Cornice (top)

8. Pediment: top, triangular section

11. The main lines of the Parthenon are curved to create the illusion of 90 degree angles.
Diagram showing the optical corrections made by the architects of the Parthenon

12. Types of columns

13. A closer look
Doric
Corinthian
Ionic

14. Caryatids
Caryatids, draped female figures used as supporting members to carry the entablature, occurred at several buildings including the Erechtheion

16. Extra credit: Find examples of Greek architecture in downtown Denver
Extra credit: Find examples of Greek architecture in downtown Denver. Take photographs of them, including their specific components (pediment, etc.) Identify which type of columns each building has.
Hint: our culture tends to use this type of architecture in government buildings