4.2 The development of monumental architecture

The development of monumental architecture in Archaic Greece marked a shift from simple wooden structures to grand stone temples. This evolution reflected growing wealth, technical skill, and artistic vision, as Greek city-states competed to build impressive sanctuaries.

Key innovations included the peripteral design, with columns surrounding the entire building, and the refinement of the Doric and Ionic orders. These architectural advancements showcased Greek ingenuity while also drawing inspiration from Near Eastern traditions.

Archaic Greek Temple Architecture

Evolution of Temple Construction

Top images from around the web for Evolution of Temple Construction

• 

  Archaic Period – Art and Visual Culture: Prehistory to Renaissance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Archaic Period – Art and Visual Culture: Prehistory to Renaissance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Archaic Period – Art and Visual Culture: Prehistory to Renaissance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Archaic Period – Art and Visual Culture: Prehistory to Renaissance View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Evolution of Temple Construction

• 

  Archaic Period – Art and Visual Culture: Prehistory to Renaissance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Archaic Period – Art and Visual Culture: Prehistory to Renaissance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Archaic Period – Art and Visual Culture: Prehistory to Renaissance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Archaic Period – Art and Visual Culture: Prehistory to Renaissance View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Archaic period spanned from approximately 800 to 480 BCE marked significant transition from earlier architectural styles to refined and standardized forms
• Early temples constructed of wood and mudbrick featured simple rectangular plans with limited decorative elements
• Transition to stone construction occurred gradually during 7th and 6th centuries BCE led to more durable and monumental structures
• Peripteral temple design emerged featuring colonnade surrounding entire building became hallmark of Greek temple architecture
• Doric order developed in early Archaic period characterized by sturdy proportions and simple capital design
• Ionic order introduced in later Archaic period particularly in Eastern Greece and Aegean islands featured slender columns and ornate volute capitals
• Notable examples showcased different stages of architectural evolution
  • Temple of Hera at Olympia
  • Temple of Apollo at Corinth
  • Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Architectural Refinements and Innovations

• Entasis developed to enhance visual appeal involved slight convex curvature of columns
• Optical corrections implemented included slight upward curvature of horizontal elements to counteract visual distortions
• Decorative elements became increasingly common in temple architecture
  • Acroteria (ornamental sculptures placed on corners and apex of pediment)
  • Antefixes (ornamental roof tiles)
• Transition from simple structures to complex, harmonious designs reflected growing architectural sophistication
• Standardization of proportions and elements allowed for more efficient construction and replication of successful designs

Archaic Greek Architectural Elements

Essential Components of Greek Temples

• Crepidoma formed stepped platform supporting entire temple structure
• Stylobate served as top step of crepidoma provided level surface for columns
• Columns supported entablature and roof varied in design based on architectural order
• Entablature consisted of three main parts
  • Architrave (lowest part resting directly on columns)
  • Frieze (middle section often decorated with sculptural reliefs)
  • Cornice (projecting upper part providing protection from elements)
• Pediment formed triangular section above entablature at ends of temple often filled with sculptural compositions

Architectural Orders and Their Characteristics

• Three primary orders developed during Archaic period each with distinct features
  • Doric order
    • Fluted columns without bases
    • Simple circular capitals
    • Frieze composed of alternating triglyphs and metopes
  • Ionic order
    • Slender columns with bases
    • Volute capitals
    • Continuous frieze often adorned with relief sculptures
  • Corinthian order (emerging late in Archaic period)
    • Elaborate acanthus leaf capital
    • Overall more ornate appearance
• Orders differed in proportions, decorative elements, and regional preferences
• Combination of orders within single building (Ionic interior columns in Doric temple) became more common in later periods

Functions of Archaic Greek Architecture

Religious and Ritual Significance

• Temples served as houses for gods containing cult statues and acting as focal points for religious rituals
• Sanctuaries functioned as important gathering places for religious festivals and athletic competitions (Olympic Games)
• Architecture provided sacred spaces for votive offerings and sacrificial rituals
• Temple design often incorporated specific features to accommodate religious practices (altar placement, processional routes)

Political and Social Implications

• Monumental temples demonstrated wealth and power of polis or ruling elite served as symbols of civic pride
• Construction coincided with rise of tyrants in many Greek city-states used to legitimize rule and gain popular support
• Public buildings served as repositories for valuable offerings and civic treasuries played crucial role in economic life
• Collaborative nature of large-scale projects fostered social cohesion and sense of shared purpose among citizens
• Architecture provided platform for artistic expression and technological innovation contributed to broader cultural development

Near Eastern Influence on Archaic Greece

Architectural Concepts and Techniques

• Peripteral temple design possibly inspired by Egyptian temple architecture particularly use of colonnades surrounding sacred spaces
• Adoption of stone as primary building material likely influenced by monumental structures of Egypt and Near East
• Cella concept as sacred space for housing cult statues may have been influenced by similar practices in Egyptian and Near Eastern temples
• Use of sculptural reliefs to decorate friezes and pediments shows similarities to narrative sculptures in Near Eastern palaces

Decorative Elements and Artistic Motifs

• Certain decorative motifs in Archaic Greek architecture show clear parallels with Near Eastern traditions
  • Rosettes
  • Palmettes
• Ionic order development with its volute capital may have been influenced by Near Eastern forms (Phoenician and Persian buildings)
• Incorporation of monumental stone sculpture (kouroi and korai) as votive offerings or architectural elements shows parallels with Egyptian traditions
• Adoption and adaptation of Near Eastern motifs led to unique Greek interpretations and innovations in architectural ornamentation