Greek Temple Types to Know for Greek and Roman Cities

Greek temple types showcase the architectural styles that defined religious spaces in ancient cities. From the sturdy Doric to the ornate Corinthian, these designs reflect cultural values and aesthetics, shaping the urban landscape of both Greek and Roman civilizations.

1. Doric

   • The oldest and simplest of the classical orders, characterized by sturdy columns with no base and a fluted shaft.
   • Features a plain capital and a frieze that alternates between triglyphs (three grooves) and metopes (plain panels).
   • Often associated with strength and masculinity, commonly used in mainland Greece.
   • Examples include the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Hera at Olympia.

2. Ionic

   • Recognized for its more slender and elegant columns, which stand on a base and have volutes (scroll-like ornaments) on the capital.
   • The frieze is typically continuous, allowing for decorative reliefs or inscriptions.
   • Represents a more feminine and graceful aesthetic, prevalent in the eastern Greek islands.
   • Notable examples include the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike in Athens.

3. Corinthian

   • The most ornate of the three classical orders, featuring a tall, slender column with an elaborate capital adorned with acanthus leaves and scrolls.
   • Often used in monumental architecture, reflecting wealth and grandeur.
   • The frieze can be richly decorated, often with floral motifs or relief sculptures.
   • Prominent examples include the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens and the Pantheon in Rome.

4. Prostyle

   • A temple design characterized by a row of columns at the front (portico) but lacking columns on the sides or back.
   • Creates a grand entrance and emphasizes the façade, often used for temples dedicated to important deities.
   • Commonly found in both Doric and Ionic styles, enhancing the visual impact of the structure.
   • Examples include the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.

5. Amphiprostyle

   • Similar to prostyle, but with columns at both the front and back, creating a balanced appearance.
   • Allows for a symmetrical view from both ends of the temple, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
   • Often used in smaller temples or shrines, providing a sense of openness.
   • An example is the Temple of Athena at Assos.

6. Peripteral

   • A temple surrounded by a single row of columns on all sides, creating a colonnade that enhances the structure's grandeur.
   • Provides a sense of enclosure while allowing light and air to flow through the space.
   • Commonly used in larger temples, allowing for a more monumental presence in the urban landscape.
   • The Parthenon is a prime example of a peripteral temple.

7. Dipteral

   • A more elaborate version of the peripteral design, featuring a double row of columns surrounding the temple.
   • Increases the visual impact and grandeur, often used for significant religious sites.
   • Provides additional space for processions and gatherings around the temple.
   • An example is the Temple of Apollo at Didyma.

8. Tholos

   • A circular temple design, often used for commemorative or cult purposes, distinct from the rectangular forms of traditional temples.
   • Features a domed roof and a colonnade, creating a unique architectural form.
   • Often associated with funerary practices or as a sanctuary for specific deities.
   • Notable examples include the Tholos of Delphi and the Tholos of Epidaurus.