Greece
Architecture
The Greeks built temples to honor gods
and godesses. The temples also served a political purpose.
They were used to celebrate civic power and pride, and to offer thanksgiving
for success in war.
The Greeks had three architectural systems
called orders:
Doric
Doric columns are rather sturdy, its top (the capital)
is plain, used in mainland Greece and the colonies of southern Italy and
Sicily
Ionic
Ionic columns are thinner and more elegant.
Its capital is decorated with a scroll-like design (a volute), found in
eastern Greece and the islands.
Corinthian
Corinthian columns are seldom used in the Greek world,
but often seen on Roman temples. Its capital is very elaborate and
decorated with acanthus leaves.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is a temple for Athena, the goddess
of wisdom. It was built in the 5th century BC and still communicates
the ideals of order and harmony for which Greek architecture is known.
Greece
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