Greek and roman architecture

Running Head: Greek and Roman Architecture Greek and Roman Architecture By: Michelle Garrotters Art 101 November 2nd, 2008 Head: Greek and Roman Architecture Compare the characteristics and innovation of each Greek and Roman Architecture. The Greek and Roman architecture is very impressive for not only their time but also in our time today. The Greek architecture uses the columns in almost all of their temples. The shapes of the columns were extremely important to the Greeks. They used three different types of columns. The ” Doric”, ” Ionic”, and the ” Corinthian”.

All of these columns have a center piece that would be for displaying their Greek God(s) with what ever decorations. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is an example of ” Corinthian” columns. The Temple of Poseidon is an example of ” Doric” columns, and Athens is an example of ” Ionic” columns. The Greeks usually built with either mud, wood, plaster, and/or stone. Most of their buildings have not stood the test of time. Only temples made with marble or limestone these were built as objects of art honoring their different gods. These have been able to withstand the damage that time brings.

The Roman architecture used mostly arches in their works. Which held more weight than the columns. Yes they used columns but only as decoration because of the weight. The Pantheon in Rome is a great example of this architecture. This building housed two kings and is one of the biggest surviving building in Rome. Romans used the same materials as the Greeks especially the Marble and Limestone. But they perfected the use of concrete, which is what most of their structures are made with. Most of the Romans buildings that are still preserved today are amphitheaters, bathhouses, aqueducts, and public housing. Unlike the Greeks the

Romans did their buildings with lots of ornate on both inside and outside reflecting the ” Pursuit of Pleasure” which is an essential part of the Romanculture. In summary, Greek architecture is more rectilinear and of ” post and lintel” construction. Greek buildings usually rectilinear, consisted off pediment supported by columns on a plinth for a base. Romans mastered the arch and the dome. Concrete made it possible to have more complex forms. Columns were used in both with the Greek favoring the Doric and Ionic for the cleaner lines. While the Romans preferred to use the more ornate Corinthian style columns.