🏺Arts of Archaic Greece Unit 2 – Architecture in Archaic Greece

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Archaic period in Greek art and architecture spans from around 800 BCE to 480 BCE
• Characterized by the development of monumental stone architecture, particularly temples
• Three main architectural orders emerged: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, each with distinct features and proportions
• Entasis refers to the slight convex curvature in columns to create an optical illusion of straightness
• Crepidoma is the stepped platform on which a Greek temple stands
• Stereobate is the uppermost step of the crepidoma, serving as the foundation for the temple
• Stylobate is the top step of the crepidoma, on which the columns rest
• Peristyle is a continuous colonnade surrounding a building or courtyard

Historical Context and Timeline

• Archaic period followed the Greek Dark Ages and preceded the Classical period
• Marked by the rise of city-states (poleis) and the establishment of colonies throughout the Mediterranean
• Early Archaic period (800-600 BCE) saw the emergence of stone architecture and the development of the Doric order
• High Archaic period (600-480 BCE) witnessed the refinement of architectural styles and the introduction of the Ionic order
• Persian Wars (499-449 BCE) had a significant impact on Greek art and architecture
  • Destruction of many temples and monuments during the wars
  • Rebuilding efforts led to further innovations and the construction of iconic structures (Parthenon)
• Greek architecture influenced by contact with other civilizations (Egypt, Near East)

Architectural Orders and Styles

• Doric order is the earliest and most austere of the three orders
  • Characterized by simple, unadorned capitals and a frieze alternating triglyphs and metopes
  • Columns are typically shorter and wider compared to other orders
• Ionic order is more ornate and slender than the Doric order
  • Distinctive volute capitals and a continuous frieze
  • Columns are taller and more slender, often with flutes
• Corinthian order is the most ornate and was developed later in the Archaic period
  • Characterized by elaborate capitals with acanthus leaf motifs
  • Columns are tall and slender, similar to the Ionic order
• Temples were designed according to specific proportional systems based on the diameter of the columns
• Optical refinements, such as entasis and the slight inward tilt of columns, were employed to create a sense of harmony and balance

Materials and Construction Techniques

• Primary building material was limestone, with marble being used more frequently in the later Archaic period
• Stones were cut and transported from quarries, often over considerable distances
• Blocks were precisely cut and fitted together without mortar, relying on the weight of the stones for stability
• Wooden beams and roof tiles were used for roofing
  • Terracotta tiles were common, with decorative elements (antefixes) at the edges
• Polychromy, the use of color in architecture, was prevalent
  • Pigments were applied to highlight architectural features and sculptures
• Foundations were typically made of locally sourced stone, with the superstructure built using higher quality materials
• Cranes and levers were used to lift and position heavy stone blocks during construction

Notable Structures and Sites

• Temple of Hera at Olympia (c. 600 BCE), one of the earliest examples of monumental Doric architecture
• Temple of Artemis at Corfu (c. 580 BCE), featuring a unique Doric frieze with sculptural metopes
• Temple of Apollo at Corinth (c. 540 BCE), an early example of the use of monolithic columns
• Old Temple of Athena on the Acropolis (c. 525 BCE), predecessor to the famous Parthenon
• Temple of Aphaia at Aegina (c. 500 BCE), known for its well-preserved sculptural pediments
• Treasury of the Siphnians at Delphi (c. 525 BCE), an ornate Ionic building with elaborate sculptural friezes

Influence on Later Architecture

• Archaic Greek architecture laid the foundation for the development of Classical Greek architecture
• Architectural orders established in the Archaic period continued to be used and refined in later periods
• Proportional systems and optical refinements developed in the Archaic period influenced architectural design for centuries
• Greek architecture had a profound impact on Roman architecture
  • Romans adapted and incorporated Greek architectural elements into their own designs
  • Greek orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) were widely used in Roman buildings
• Greek architectural principles and aesthetics influenced neoclassical architecture in the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Neoclassical architects drew inspiration from the simplicity and harmony of Greek architecture
  • Greek revival style became popular in Europe and the United States (British Museum, Lincoln Memorial)

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Temples were the most important and monumental buildings in Archaic Greek architecture
  • Served as houses for the gods and as focal points for religious ceremonies and festivals
  • Reflected the growing wealth and power of city-states
• Architectural sculpture, such as pediments and friezes, often depicted mythological scenes and religious narratives
  • Sculptures served as visual representations of Greek beliefs and values
• Temples and other public buildings were often built in prominent locations (acropoleis) to demonstrate civic pride and religious devotion
• Architecture played a crucial role in shaping the identity and cultural cohesion of Greek city-states
• Panhellenic sanctuaries (Olympia, Delphi) featured monumental architecture that showcased the unity and shared culture of the Greek world

Challenges and Innovations

• Transporting and lifting heavy stone blocks required advanced engineering and construction techniques
  • Development of sophisticated lifting devices (cranes, levers) and transportation methods
• Achieving stability and structural integrity without the use of mortar was a significant challenge
  • Precise cutting and fitting of stones ensured a stable structure
  • Use of iron clamps and dowels to secure blocks in place
• Optical refinements, such as entasis and the inward tilt of columns, required careful planning and execution
  • Adjustments were made to create the illusion of straight lines and to counteract optical distortions
• Innovations in roofing techniques, such as the use of wooden trusses and terracotta tiles, allowed for larger spans and more durable structures
• Advancements in stone carving and sculpting techniques enabled the creation of intricate architectural details and sculptures
  • Use of bronze tools and abrasives to achieve fine details and smooth surfaces
• Incorporation of new materials, such as marble, led to greater artistic expression and refinement in architectural design