4.2 Temple architecture and the Doric order
4 min read•july 31, 2024
Greek temples were architectural marvels of the Archaic period. The , developed around 600 BCE, set the standard for temple design with its robust , distinctive , and mathematical precision.
These temples weren't just buildings – they were symbols of Greek culture and religion. The shift from wood to stone construction allowed for bigger, more impressive structures that showcased the power and wealth of city-states.
Doric Temple Architecture
Key Elements and Proportions
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- Doric order developed in Archaic period (700-480 BCE) characterized by robust, austere appearance and mathematical precision in proportions
- Main components include (stepped platform), columns, (architrave, frieze, cornice), and forming distinctive visual hierarchy
- Doric columns lack base, feature fluted shaft, and simple with echinus and abacus
- Frieze alternates triglyphs and metopes dictating temple proportions and column spacing
- Peripteral plan typical of Archaic Doric temples surrounds cella (inner chamber) with columns creating covered walkway (peristyle)
- Proportions evolved over time becoming more refined and less massive
- Ratio of column height to diameter increased in later examples
- Optical refinements introduced to counteract visual distortions and enhance aesthetic appeal
- Entasis (slight convex curvature of columns)
- Curvature of horizontal elements
Structural Components
- Stylobate provided elevated foundation for temple
- Usually consisted of three steps
- Top step called stereobate
- Columns divided into three parts: shaft, capital, and entasis
- Shaft typically had 20 flutes
- Capital included echinus (rounded) and abacus (square)
- Entablature comprised three horizontal sections
- Architrave (plain, undecorated beam)
- Frieze (alternating triglyphs and metopes)
- Cornice (projecting edge of roof)
- Pediment triangular section above entablature
- Often decorated with sculptural elements (Battle of the Titans at Temple of Artemis, Corfu)
Innovations in Doric Temples
Material and Structural Advancements
- Transition from wood to stone construction marked significant structural innovation
- Allowed for larger, more durable temples
- Necessitated new architectural solutions
- Stone architrave development enabled longer spans between columns
- Created more spacious and impressive temple facades
- Standardization of Doric order led to coherent architectural language
- Facilitated rapid spread and evolution of temple design across Greek world
- Refinement of cella's interior layout enhanced functionality and ceremonial use
- Development of pronaos (front porch)
- Addition of opisthodomos (rear porch)
Aesthetic and Design Improvements
- Peripteral plan increased temple's visual impact
- Created more defined sacred space within larger sanctuary
- Integration of sculptural elements added narrative and symbolic dimensions
- Pediments often depicted mythological scenes (Birth of Athena on )
- Metopes illustrated legendary battles or labors (Labors of Heracles at Temple of Zeus, Olympia)
- Gradual elongation of temple plan from nearly square to more rectangular proportions
- Created more dynamic visual experience for approaching worshippers
- Introduction of optical refinements enhanced overall aesthetic
- Entasis prevented columns from appearing concave
- Slight upward curvature of stylobate and entablature counteracted illusion of sagging
Doric Temples and Ancient Greece
Religious and Cultural Significance
- Doric temples served as physical manifestations of Greek religious beliefs
- Housed cult statues of deities
- Focal points for communal worship and sacrificial rituals
- Monumental scale and prominent locations reflected central role of religion in Greek society
- Often built on acropoleis or other elevated sites (Parthenon in Athens)
- Temples often served as treasuries for votive offerings
- Linked religious devotion with economic and political power ()
- Evolution of Doric temple architecture paralleled developments in Greek philosophy and mathematics
- Reflected growing emphasis on rationality, , and cosmic order
- Embodied Pythagorean concepts of harmony and numerical relationships
Political and Social Context
- Collaborative effort required to build temples fostered social cohesion and civic pride
- Reinforced political structures and community identity
- Use of local materials and regional variations reflected decentralized nature of Greek politics
- Importance of local traditions in temple design (use of local limestone in Sicilian temples)
- Competitive nature of temple building between city-states spurred architectural innovations
- Reflected complex inter-polis relationships (rivalry between Athens and Sparta)
- Temples demonstrated power and wealth of city-states that commissioned them
- Served as symbols of civic achievement and prestige (Temple of Artemis at Ephesus)
Influence of Doric Architecture
Impact on Classical and Later Styles
- Doric order established fundamental principles of Western classical architecture
- Concept of coherent system of proportions
- Standardized vocabulary of architectural elements
- Aesthetic ideals influenced subsequent Greek architectural styles
- incorporated Doric elements with added refinement
- further elaborated on classical proportions
- Roman architecture adopted and adapted Doric elements
- Incorporated into new building types (Colosseum in Rome)
- Synthesized with other architectural traditions
Legacy in Western Architecture
- Renaissance revival of classical architecture led to renewed study of Doric principles
- Influenced European architecture for centuries (St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City)
- Neoclassical architecture in 18th and 19th centuries drew heavily on Doric temple forms
- Adapted for civic and religious buildings in modern contexts (British Museum in London)
- Emphasis on structural clarity and truthfulness to materials resonated with 20th-century modernist architects
- Influenced approach to design (works of Le Corbusier)
- Contemporary architecture continues to reference and reinterpret Doric elements
- Demonstrates enduring impact on Western design sensibilities (National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.)
Key Terms to Review (21)
Axial alignment: Axial alignment refers to the organization of structures along a central axis, emphasizing symmetry and direction in architectural design. This concept is critical in temple architecture, particularly in the Doric order, where the arrangement of columns and other elements directs the viewer’s gaze towards a focal point, enhancing the overall visual and spiritual experience of the structure.
Callicrates: Callicrates was a prominent ancient Greek architect known for his contributions to classical architecture, particularly in the context of the Doric and Ionic orders. He is most famously associated with the construction of the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, which exemplifies the precision and harmony of Doric design while also showing influences of Ionic elements in its features. His work reflects a broader trend in Greek architecture toward refinement and innovative design, making significant impacts on temple structures and civic buildings.
Capital: In the context of ancient Greek architecture, 'capital' refers to the topmost part of a column, which serves to support the horizontal entablature above it. The design of the capital varies between architectural orders and plays a crucial role in defining the stylistic features of structures, particularly in temple architecture. It is an important element that not only provides structural support but also adds to the aesthetic appeal and symbolism of a building.
Classical Period: The Classical Period in Greek history, spanning roughly from the 5th to 4th centuries BCE, is marked by extraordinary achievements in art, architecture, literature, and philosophy. This era reflects the peak of cultural and intellectual development in Ancient Greece, showcasing a significant shift towards realism and the exploration of human experience.
Columns: Columns are vertical structural elements that serve both a functional and aesthetic role in architecture. They are primarily used to support weight, allowing buildings to stand tall and stable, while also adding beauty and character to the design. In classical architecture, columns are classified into distinct orders, with the Doric order being one of the earliest and simplest styles, known for its sturdy appearance and minimal ornamentation.
Corinthian order: The Corinthian order is one of the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by its slender, fluted columns and elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. This style emerged as a more ornate variation, showcasing the Greeks' evolving artistic sensibilities and reflecting influences from earlier architectural styles.
Doric Order: The Doric Order is one of the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by its sturdy columns and simple, unadorned design. This architectural style reflects the values of strength and functionality in Greek society, often seen in monumental structures such as temples and civic buildings, linking it to broader artistic and cultural trends.
Entablature: An entablature is a horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of three main sections: the architrave, frieze, and cornice. It serves as a critical element in classical architecture, especially in temple designs, where it creates a visual and structural framework that enhances the building's aesthetic appeal. The entablature also plays a significant role in architectural sculpture and decoration, where reliefs and inscriptions can be incorporated to convey cultural narratives and civic pride.
Frieze: A frieze is a decorative horizontal band that runs along the upper part of a wall or building, often found in classical architecture. It serves as a visual narrative or ornamental element, connecting architectural features while showcasing intricate sculptures or reliefs that celebrate various themes, including mythology, historical events, or religious iconography.
Hellenistic Period: The Hellenistic Period refers to the era in ancient history that follows the conquests of Alexander the Great, lasting from approximately 323 BCE to 31 BCE. This time is marked by the spread of Greek culture across a vast territory, influencing art, architecture, and philosophy as it merged with local traditions in the regions conquered by Alexander and his successors.
Ictinus: Ictinus was an influential ancient Greek architect, best known for his work on the Parthenon in Athens. His contributions mark a significant evolution in Greek architecture, showcasing the transition from earlier styles to the classical ideals that define the Golden Age of Athens.
Ionic Order: Ionic order is one of the classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by its distinctive columns that feature scroll-like capitals. This architectural style emerged as a refined alternative to the more austere Doric order and became known for its elegance and decorative details, reflecting cultural influences and innovations within Greek society during its development.
Parthenon: The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patroness. This iconic structure exemplifies the height of Classical Greek architecture, showcasing significant advancements in design and artistic expression that influenced subsequent architectural styles and cultures.
Pediment: A pediment is a triangular section that sits atop the facade of a classical building, often found in temples and other structures in Greek architecture. It serves both a structural and decorative purpose, providing an aesthetic frame for the roof and often featuring sculptures or reliefs that convey important themes or narratives related to the building's function.
Phidias: Phidias was an ancient Greek sculptor and architect, renowned for his monumental works, particularly during the Classical period. He played a pivotal role in defining the artistic standards of his time, significantly influencing the development of sculpture and temple decoration, especially through his masterpieces that embodied ideal beauty and religious devotion.
Political Symbolism: Political symbolism refers to the use of symbols, imagery, and architectural designs to convey political ideas, values, and ideologies. In the context of temple architecture and the Doric order, this concept manifests through the aesthetic choices and structural elements that communicate the power and cultural significance of a city-state, often reflecting its ideals of order, strength, and democracy.
Proportion: Proportion refers to the relationship in size, amount, or degree between different elements within a composition. In the context of art and architecture, it plays a critical role in creating balance and harmony, particularly evident in how structures are designed and how figures are represented.
Religious worship: Religious worship refers to the acts, rituals, and ceremonies performed in reverence to a deity or deities. This practice often involves various expressions of devotion, such as prayers, offerings, and communal gatherings. In the context of temple architecture and the Doric order, religious worship played a significant role in shaping the design and function of temples, emphasizing their importance as sacred spaces dedicated to the divine.
Stylobate: The stylobate is the uppermost step of a temple's foundation that supports the columns. It serves as a crucial architectural element in classical temple design, particularly within the Doric order, providing a stable base for the colonnade and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the structure. The stylobate's height and proportion also influence how the temple interacts with its surrounding environment and is perceived by viewers.
Symmetry: Symmetry refers to a balanced and harmonious proportion in the design of structures, artworks, and spaces, where elements are arranged in a way that creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In the context of ancient Greek architecture and art, symmetry plays a crucial role in conveying ideals of beauty, order, and stability.
Temple of Apollo at Delphi: The Temple of Apollo at Delphi was an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the god Apollo, located at the site of the Delphic oracle. It was a significant religious and cultural center in the ancient world, showcasing the Doric architectural style and remarkable innovations in relief sculpture that highlighted the artistic advancements of the period.