🏗️History of Architecture Unit 2 – Classical Greek and Roman Architecture

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Entablature consists of the architrave, frieze, and cornice that rest on the columns
• Pediment triangular space formed by the sloping roof above the entablature
• Cella central room of a Greek temple that housed the cult statue
• Peristyle continuous colonnade surrounding a building or courtyard
• Acropolis fortified citadel located on a hill, often containing important religious buildings (Parthenon)
• Agora central public space in ancient Greek city-states used for assemblies and markets
• Basilica large rectangular hall used for public gatherings, law courts, and commercial activities in ancient Rome
• Amphitheater oval or circular structure with rising tiers of seats around a central arena (Colosseum)

Historical Context and Timeline

• Ancient Greek architecture flourished during the Classical period (5th and 4th centuries BCE)
• Greek city-states developed unique architectural styles reflecting their cultural values and religious beliefs
• The Persian Wars (499-449 BCE) and the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) influenced Greek architecture
  • Destruction and rebuilding of Athens led to the construction of iconic structures (Parthenon)
• Roman architecture emerged as the Roman Republic expanded and later during the Roman Empire (27 BCE-476 CE)
• Romans adopted and modified Greek architectural elements, combining them with their own innovations
• Key periods in Roman architecture include the Republican era, the Augustan age, and the Imperial era
• The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE marked the end of classical Roman architecture

Architectural Orders and Elements

• The three main architectural orders in ancient Greece were Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian
  • Doric oldest and simplest, characterized by plain capitals and no base
  • Ionic more ornate, with scrolled capitals and a base
  • Corinthian most elaborate, with capitals adorned with acanthus leaves
• Romans adopted these orders and added the Tuscan (simplified Doric) and Composite (combining Ionic and Corinthian) orders
• Columns and entablatures were the primary structural and decorative elements in classical architecture
• Greek temples typically featured a rectangular plan with a colonnade surrounding the cella
• Roman temples often incorporated a raised podium and a front porch (pronaos) with columns
• Arches, vaults, and domes were significant elements in Roman architecture, enabling the creation of large interior spaces

Famous Greek Structures

• The Parthenon (447-432 BCE) on the Athenian Acropolis, a Doric temple dedicated to Athena
• The Erechtheion (421-406 BCE) on the Acropolis, featuring the iconic Caryatid porch
• The Temple of Athena Nike (427-424 BCE) on the Acropolis, an Ionic temple celebrating Athenian victories
• The Propylaea (437-432 BCE), the monumental gateway to the Athenian Acropolis
• The Temple of Hephaestus (449-415 BCE) in the Athenian Agora, a well-preserved Doric temple
• The Temple of Apollo at Bassae (450-400 BCE), featuring the earliest known Corinthian capital
• The Tholos of Delphi (380-360 BCE), a circular temple with Doric columns externally and Corinthian columns internally

Roman Innovations in Architecture

• Romans pioneered the use of concrete, enabling the construction of larger and more complex structures
• The arch, vault, and dome were crucial elements in Roman architecture, allowing for greater spans and interior spaces
• Romans developed the basilica, a large rectangular hall used for various public functions
• The Roman amphitheater, such as the Colosseum, showcased Roman engineering prowess and served as a venue for public spectacles
• Romans created extensive aqueduct systems to transport water to cities and towns
• The Roman bath complex (thermae) became a center of social life, featuring advanced heating and plumbing systems
• Romans introduced the triumphal arch as a monumental structure celebrating military victories and imperial power

Notable Roman Buildings

• The Colosseum (70-80 CE), the largest amphitheater in the Roman world, showcasing Roman engineering and architectural skills
• The Pantheon (118-128 CE), a temple dedicated to all Roman gods, featuring a massive concrete dome and oculus
• The Baths of Caracalla (212-216 CE), one of the largest and most elaborate Roman bath complexes
• The Arch of Titus (81 CE), commemorating the Roman victory in the Jewish War and the siege of Jerusalem
• The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine (306-312 CE), the largest basilica in ancient Rome, featuring impressive vaults and concrete construction
• The Pont du Gard (19 BCE), a well-preserved Roman aqueduct bridge in southern France
• The Library of Celsus (135 CE) in Ephesus, a monumental library facade showcasing Roman architectural design

Construction Techniques and Materials

• Greeks primarily used local limestone and marble for construction, with wood for roof timbers and terracotta for roof tiles
• Greeks employed the post-and-lintel system, with columns supporting horizontal beams (architraves)
• Romans revolutionized construction with the use of concrete, made from a mixture of lime, volcanic ash, and aggregate
• Roman concrete allowed for the creation of vaults, domes, and other complex structures
• Romans also used brick and stone masonry, often faced with marble or other decorative materials
• The Roman arch, constructed with wedge-shaped stones (voussoirs), distributed weight evenly and allowed for larger spans
• Romans employed sophisticated surveying and engineering techniques to ensure the precision and stability of their structures

Legacy and Influence on Later Styles

• Classical Greek and Roman architecture had a profound impact on Western architecture for centuries
• The Renaissance (14th-17th centuries) saw a revival of classical forms and proportions, with architects studying and adapting ancient models
• Neoclassicism (18th-19th centuries) drew heavily on Greek and Roman architecture, emphasizing simplicity, symmetry, and grandeur
• Greek and Roman architectural elements, such as columns, pediments, and arches, continue to be used in modern buildings worldwide
• The principles of harmony, proportion, and balance in classical architecture have influenced architectural theory and practice to the present day
• Many public buildings, such as government offices, museums, and libraries, still employ classical architectural language to convey authority and timelessness
• The enduring legacy of classical architecture testifies to the skill, ingenuity, and artistic vision of ancient Greek and Roman builders