Greek Architecture

       Greek architecture has been noted as some of the world's finest buildings known to man kind. Such as the Parthenon, and the temples they built to their Gods, have been studied over for many years. The way these structures were built is fascinating.

The Three Greek Orders of Architecture

       Greek architecture is broken down into three orders. These orders were determined by the way that the top or capital of each column was sculpted. The first order was called the Doric Order. This was the most simple of the three. It was only meant for sturdiness, not for beauty. The second order was called the Ionic order. They had capitals sculpted like spiraling scrolls. They too were not that beautiful, but very sturdy. The third was the Corinthian Order. Ta the top of each capital of this order were carved Acanthus leaves. They were very beautiful, but not quite as sturdy as the other two. The columns were sometimes replaced with load-bearing statues called Caryatids.

                          Greek Homes                       

       Greek houses were probably the most common of all buildings. They were built out of mud, and bricks. They all had a few rooms for dining, cooking, bathing, and sleeping. To conclude about Greek homes, most Greek citizens spent their time away from home, so little architectural specialties were put into the households.

             Ancient Greek Temples

       Greeks spent alot of hard work, time and effort into the temples they built for their gods. This was where the three orders were put into effect. The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders were popular forms all over Greece. Greek temples were made of stone, some were made of Marble. The Greeks constructed many acropolises, one famous one was the Partheneon. Inside the Parthenon shows statues of Athena and Poseidon fighting in the presence of other gods. Who ever won would rule supremely over Attica. Also inside showed the citizens of Athens for the very first time. Most temples were a house for the gods, and some of them still stand today.

                    Use of the Orders

       Use of the three Greek orders depended on what region you were in.