Styles of Greek Architecture

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Greek Architecture are towering pillars, huge buildings and many stairs. However, from the 8th - 6th Century BC, the first Greek inhabitants had very small structures made from organic materials. Mud, rocks and reeds were typically used to construct one room of various shapes. Bathtubs, sinks and platforms were made from plaster. This era was called the Doric Order and evolved into a more ornate construction of massive stone buildings and columns. The stone columns separated rooms and provided support, thus creating a very open structure. Entering these huge buildings made it necessary to construct very prominent stone stairs.

During the 5th - 4th Century BC, what is known as Classical Greek Architecture, or the Ionic Order, began to emerge. This had the same basic construction of the earlier stone buildings and columns, except with a thinner design. Scroll work made the structures more decorative which was much more relaxed than the earlier period. A few of these structures still stand today. The Corinthian Order then evolved from the Ionic Order. However, Corinthian structures were not as common, due to the ornate and costly manner in which they were created.

Theatres, temples, council chambers, fountain houses and storage rooms were parts of Greek cities. Some of the older, thicker and larger Doric era buildings have managed to survive the centuries. However, a few Ionic era buildings are still standing, giving evidence to the history of Greek architecture. The beauty of this primitive construction is repeated in many building designs today. Scroll work, columns, open rooms, tile roofs and large stairways can be found on many state and congressional buildings, libraries and homes. As long as there is a continued interest in Greek Architecture, this ancient architecture will be preserved through the ages.