Techniques Used by Ancient Greek Architects

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Greece is a small country on the southern end of Europe’s Balkan Peninsula. While a relatively small area of geography, the country was a focal point of power and influence in the ancient world as well as today. Greek architects were relentless in their quest for perfection, used meticulous attention to detail and created many innovations. The methods used were tremendously sophisticated and complex even in comparison to modern times. Techniques used by ancient Greek architects are still used today and are copied around the world. Without exception, the techniques used at that time have been unequivocally influential throughout the world and formed the foundation for modern architecture today.

From 2000-1000 BC was the Bronze Age of Greece. This period was considered an influential and momentous time in history, with many powerful and dominant kingdoms around the world. During this time, Greece was inhabited by the Minoans. On the island, the Minoans had palaces which were used as economic centers, religious activities, festivals, and political assemblies. Because of many natural disasters and earthquakes that occurred in the area, the palaces were frequently destroyed and later rebuilt. The citadel emerged, which was a shelter in which people could go into for protection. Inside of a citadel were everything from residential quarters to workshops. Greece began to slip into the Dark Ages because of serious economic collapse, natural disasters, and conflict among rulers.

During the Geometric Period (1000-700 BC), Greece emerged from the Dark Ages and began to evolve into the culture now known as Hellenic. Art began to emerge and commerce was reintroduced. People began to live in permanent settlements and the population began...

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Sutton, Ian. Western architecture from ancient Greece to the present. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1999. Print.

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