10.2 The Parthenon and Classical Greek Temple Architecture

Greek temples were architectural marvels, blending form and function. They featured distinct column styles, key structural elements, and design principles that created visual harmony. The Parthenon stands as the pinnacle of this tradition, showcasing refined techniques and cultural significance.

Greek temple architecture left an indelible mark on Western design. From Roman adaptations to Neoclassical revivals, its influence spans centuries. The emphasis on proportion, harmony, and monumental facades continues to shape modern architectural thinking and aesthetics.

Classical Greek Temple Architecture

Elements of Classical Greek temples

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• Orders of Greek architecture characterized distinct column styles and proportions
  • Doric featured simple capital, fluted shaft, no base (Parthenon)
  • Ionic had volute scrolls, more slender proportions (Erechtheion)
  • Corinthian displayed ornate acanthus leaf capital (Temple of Olympian Zeus)
• Key structural elements formed temple's framework
  • Stylobate: top step of base platform elevating structure
  • Columns supported weight, defined temple's perimeter
  • Entablature: horizontal structure atop columns
    • Architrave: bottom band, plain or divided
    • Frieze: decorative middle section, often sculpted
    • Cornice: projecting top section, shed rainwater
  • Pediment: triangular gable, often filled with sculpture
• Design principles guided aesthetic and structural choices
  • Symmetry and proportion created visual harmony
  • Optical refinements corrected visual distortions
    • Entasis: slight column bulge countered illusion of concavity
    • Curvature of horizontal elements prevented sagging appearance
  • Golden Ratio ($\phi = 1.618$) informed proportional relationships
• Peripteral design surrounded temple with colonnade, created covered walkway
• Cella housed cult statue, focal point of worship
• Opisthodomos served as rear porch or treasury room
• Pronaos formed front porch, transitional space

Parthenon as architectural exemplar

• Location: Athenian Acropolis, prominent hilltop visible throughout city
• Dedication honored Athena Parthenos, patron goddess of Athens
• Architects Ictinus and Callicrates designed, Phidias supervised construction
• Built 447-432 BCE, height of Athenian power under Pericles
• Architectural features showcased Greek temple design
  • Doric order with Ionic elements blended styles
  • Octastyle design with 8 columns on short sides created grand facade
  • 17 columns on long sides enhanced monumentality
  • Refined optical illusions corrected visual distortions
• Cultural significance extended beyond religious function
  • Symbolized Athenian power, celebrated victory over Persians
  • Represented democratic ideals, financed by public funds
  • Housed treasury of Delian League, Athens' naval alliance
• Religious function centered on worship and ritual
  • Housed chryselephantine statue of Athena by Phidias
  • Focal point of Panathenaic festival, annual celebration honoring Athena

Parthenon's architecture and sculpture

• Sculpture integrated with architecture, enhanced visual impact
  • Pediments filled with mythological scenes
    • East depicted Birth of Athena from Zeus's head
    • West showed Contest between Athena and Poseidon for Athens
  • Metopes adorned Doric frieze with mythical battles
    • North: Trojan War scenes
    • South: Centauromachy (battle with centaurs)
    • East: Gigantomachy (gods vs giants)
    • West: Amazonomachy (Greeks vs Amazons)
  • Ionic frieze wrapped around cella, depicted Panathenaic procession
• Sculptural themes reflected Athenian identity, myths, and values
• High and low relief techniques created depth, visual interest
• Polychromy originally painted sculpture in vibrant colors
• Sculptural program enhanced building's overall aesthetic, narrative power

Influence of Greek temple design

• Roman architecture adapted Greek orders, temple layouts (Pantheon)
• Renaissance revived Classical proportions, harmony (Florence Cathedral)
• Neoclassicism directly inspired by Greek temples (British Museum)
• American Greek Revival influenced civic buildings (Lincoln Memorial)
• Modern architecture abstracted Classical elements (Villa Savoye)
• Enduring principles continue to shape Western architecture
  • Emphasis on harmony, proportion in design
  • Use of columnar facades in monumental buildings
  • Triangular pediments as decorative elements