The architecture of ancient Greece is not only known for its classical or elegant designs but also for the variety and innovativeness. Although architecture was extinct in ancient Greece, from the end of Mycenaean period but it gradually revived itself in the colonization period (8th - 6th century BC). In fact, it can e said that the ancient Greek architecture is the basis for all the architectural developments that have taken place in Europe.
The basis materials used for construction were relatively simple such as: wood, plaster, limestone, marbles, terracotta and bronze. Wood was basically used for constructing supports and beams; plaster was used for sinks and bathtubs; limestones and marbles were used for the construction of walls, columns, upper portions of buildings and temples; bronze was used for decoration and intricacies; whereas terracotta was used for roof tiles and ornaments.
The most knowledge about ancient Greek architecture comes form late archaic period (550 - 500 BC), the Periclean age (450 - 430 BC), and the early to pure classical period (430 - 400 BC). Examples of Greek architecture can be drawn from Hellenistic and Roman periods and from written sources such as Vitruvius (1st century).
Of the Greek orders, the Doric is the oldest and is supposed to have evolved from a former timber prototype. The best example of a Doric temple is the Parthenon in Athens (447-438 BC). The origin of the Ionic is unsure. The earliest building in which the Ionic capital appears is the temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus (530 BC).
The initial Greek architect was more of craftsmen, and was either employed by the state or any wealthy client. There was n o distinction between the architect and the building contractor. The architect was not only responsible for designing the building but also for hiring labors, craftsmen and the budget. The ancient Greek architect did not enjoy the amenities and pleasures given to the modern day architect.
The basis materials used for construction were relatively simple such as: wood, plaster, limestone, marbles, terracotta and bronze. Wood was basically used for constructing supports and beams; plaster was used for sinks and bathtubs; limestones and marbles were used for the construction of walls, columns, upper portions of buildings and temples; bronze was used for decoration and intricacies; whereas terracotta was used for roof tiles and ornaments.
The most knowledge about ancient Greek architecture comes form late archaic period (550 - 500 BC), the Periclean age (450 - 430 BC), and the early to pure classical period (430 - 400 BC). Examples of Greek architecture can be drawn from Hellenistic and Roman periods and from written sources such as Vitruvius (1st century).
Of the Greek orders, the Doric is the oldest and is supposed to have evolved from a former timber prototype. The best example of a Doric temple is the Parthenon in Athens (447-438 BC). The origin of the Ionic is unsure. The earliest building in which the Ionic capital appears is the temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus (530 BC).
The initial Greek architect was more of craftsmen, and was either employed by the state or any wealthy client. There was n o distinction between the architect and the building contractor. The architect was not only responsible for designing the building but also for hiring labors, craftsmen and the budget. The ancient Greek architect did not enjoy the amenities and pleasures given to the modern day architect.