The architecture of Ancient Greece is renowned for its influence on the development of Western architecture. It encompasses a range of structures, from temples to theaters, that have stood the test of time.
Key Features
- Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders: These were the three main orders of classical architecture, each with its own distinctive column shapes and capitals.
- Parthenon: The most iconic temple of Ancient Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus: A magnificent theater in Athens that still hosts performances today.
Temples
Ancient Greek temples were designed to honor gods and goddesses. They typically had a cella, a chamber that housed the statue of the deity, and a pronaos, a colonnade that led to the cella.
Parthenon
The Parthenon is an excellent example of the Doric order. It was built to house the statue of Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens.
Theaters
Theaters in Ancient Greece were used for performances of drama, comedy, and music. The most famous theater is the Theater of Dionysus in Athens.
Theater of Dionysus
The Theater of Dionysus is one of the oldest theaters in the world and is located on the slopes of the Acropolis.
Further Reading
For more information on Ancient Greek architecture, you can visit our Architecture section.
If you're interested in the history of architecture, don't miss our History of Architecture guide.