Ancient history

What was Greek and roman style architecture about?

Greek architecture is known for its harmonious proportions, symmetry, and simplicity. Greek temples were the most important public buildings in Greek cities, and they were designed to reflect the importance of the gods and goddesses. Temples were typically rectangular in shape with a colonnade of columns supporting a pediment. The columns were usually Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian in style.

Roman architecture was heavily influenced by Greek architecture, but it also incorporated new elements, such as the arch and the vault. Roman architecture was also more practical than Greek architecture, and it was used to build a wide variety of structures, including temples, baths, aqueducts, and bridges.

Here are some of the key features of Greek and Roman architecture:

* Columns: Columns were one of the most important elements of Greek and Roman architecture. They were used to support the roof of a building and to decorate the exterior. Columns were typically made of stone, and they were often carved with intricate designs.

* Pediments: Pediments were triangular-shaped areas above the columns of a building. They were often decorated with sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, or heroes.

* Entablature: The entablature was the area above the columns and below the pediment. It was typically divided into three parts: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice.

* Arches: Arches were one of the most important innovations of Roman architecture. They allowed the Romans to build larger and more complex structures than the Greeks. Arches were made of wedge-shaped stones that were fitted together without the use of mortar.

* Vaults: Vaults were another important innovation of Roman architecture. They were used to cover large spaces, such as the interiors of baths and temples. Vaults were made of interlocking stones that formed a curved surface.

Greek and Roman architecture has had a profound influence on Western architecture. The classical orders of architecture (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) are still used today in buildings all over the world. The principles of symmetry, proportion, and harmony that were developed by the Greeks and Romans continue to be used by architects today.