Greek Temple Research Paper

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Temples have been built for centuries in dedication to gods for worship and ceremonies. The Greek temples started as simple structures with columns and a porch, and evolved to elaborate sanctuaries. The most famous and well known is the Parthenon. The architects adjusted some elements in temples to make them “appear” perfect to they eye. They curved the entablature upward to avoid the optical illusion of a sag. The columns were made to “swell” in the middle (entasis) reducing the space between the columns which “strengthened the corners.” Elaborate sculptures were once displayed in temples but have since been removed. Three elevation designs called “orders” were developed over time. The three orders are named Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. All …show more content…

The height of the column is five and a half to seven times the diameter of the base. The capital is composed of two sections. The echinus and the abacus, both of which are flat surfaced and void of any three dimensional decoration. The entablature alternates triglyphs and metopes which demonstrates a simpler feel. The pediment may or may not include a waterspout and decoration (acroterion). This architecture was to reflect stability and permanence. An example of Doric order is seen in the Temple of Hera I in Italy and the Temple of Aphaia on …show more content…

The height of this column is nine times the diameter of the base, which results in a longer column. These long columns aren't plain as explained in the Doric style, but instead consist of flutes and flat surfaces called fillets. The capital is quite different than the Doric order, as it demonstrates a volute, which is a spiraled scroll. The entablature has a continual decorated frieze and more detailed molding than the Doric order. This architecture was considered to be more elegant than the Doric order. An example of Ionic order is the north and east porches of the Erechtheion in

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