Ever since the dawn of ancient civilizations, humans have been gifted with the ability to build and design things. It is in our nature to create something that would certainly help us to attain an easier life. Be it a simple cooking tool or a complex drainage system, we could see the ingenuity of those who have lived thousands of years ago.
Among the great civilizations that have walked the earth, one truly became an influential power not only in Europe, but all around the world as well. This civilization is that of the Ancient Greeks.
In the pages of human history, the Ancient Greek civilization has contributed in many different fields. They have given something to music, poetry, rhetoric, theater, politics, education and many more. They have produced outstanding minds, many of which are still remembered today. Pythagoras, Euripedes, Pindar, Aristophanes, Herodotus and Plato these are but a few of those brilliant Greek minds who have handed down their priceless teachings and principles to their respective fields, many of which we still use today.
The ancient Greeks have contributed so much in different fields. To tackle all of them would be illuminating indeed, but for the sake of brevity, this paper will only discuss the architecture of the ancient Greeks, the influence that they have had on their contemporary civilizations and the influences that they still have on modern day society.
One of the outstanding achievements of man is architecture. Since time immemorial, we have been building and modifying structures that provide us shelter and comfort. From the early tree houses to the modern day skyscrapers, we have continuously developed our ability to create marvelous structures.
The ancient world boasts of many architectural wonders, many of which can still be seen today. Each civilization has given us their own proof of their great architectural minds. Ancient Egypt gave us towering pyramids (Scramuzza 1958, 24). The Aztecs and Mayas gave us their magnificent temples. The Romans gave us massive theaters, senate buildings and schools. The ancient Greeks also had their own contributions to architecture, which will be discussed later on.
We must take note that the architectural genius of each civilization or of each period reflects the kind of lifestyle that they possessed. In doing so, it would be easier for us to understand why they have built such structures during their stay here on earth. Just like any other civilization, ancient Greece underwent different periods of change. These have brought about many developments in the architecture of Greece, culminating in the countrys Golden Age.
Architecture in Greece can be traced as far back as to the Neolithic period. The Aegean kingdom was first inhabited during this age, in about 6000 B.C. (Scramuzza 1958, 119). The first huts built by the early Aegean man were half-buried. Later on, these abodes were constructed totally above the ground. The shapes of the huts (rectangular, oval, octagonal, circular) varied by location. These simple houses used a structural skeleton of poles as framework. The walls were interwoven with wattle and the roof with thatch. (Scramuzza 1958, 10)
Many years went past. Civilization in Greece progressed rather slowly for almost 3, 000 years. But there was one kingdom in the country that was showing signs of development (Scramuzza 1958, 119). This was the Minoan kingdom, whose home rests in the island of Crete located south of Greece. (Williams 2005, 6)
The Minoans had a very peaceful disposition. They had little problem with their relations with other states and countries. This is based on the fact that the houses that they have built, although massive by our standards, were rather quite open. They may have several rooms, but they were only separated by columns. The houses of merchants varied between two and three stories. They had multiple apartments and had workshops situated in the ground-floor. This was where the artisan worked. (Scramuzza 1958, 122)
If there was one thing that the Minoans prided themselves in, it was their ability to build palaces. These structures were elaborate and even had running water and drainage in them (Williams 2005, 6). They also had a room that was dedicated for worshipping the gods, the ones the people believed to bring them good fortune. (Scramuzza 1958, 122)
One famous example of the grand architecture of the Minoans is the Palace of Knossos. The palace had many stories, which consisted of unevenly distributed terraces. The tiers terminated in flat roofs, akin to the rooftops of modern day apartments. An interesting feature of this building is that it had a maze of halls and corridors. These in turn branch off to different offices and suites. This particular characteristic of the Palace of Knossos eventually gave rise to the myth of the labyrinth (the one with the Minotaur, who required a sacrifice of seven youths every year). The columns that support the building had thinner lower bodies than higher upper ones. Windows were constructed for outside rooms, while light wells were provided for inner rooms. Magnificent porticoes, entrances and staircases were additional features of this large palace. (Scramuzza 1958, 126)
The Minoan kingdom did not last forever. After about two thousand years, the Mycenaean came into power. They were from the city of Mycenae, located in southern Greeces Peloponnese Peninsula. They were what historians considered as the first Greeks. Their rule lasted from 1600 B.C. to 1200 B.C. It is believed that the Mycenaean bested the Minoans, eventually leading to the inclusion of Crete to the Greek Empire. (Williams 2005, 6-7) But the Mycenaean, although they had somehow overthrown the Minoans, were greatly influenced by them. Their style of clothing, their liking for palaces, their preferred weaponry and their followed customs were indicators of how much they have copied the Minoan kingdoms lifestyle. It is not that surprising though, for the vassals of the Minoans were the Mycenaean. These vassals were mighty lords themselves, and eventually they were able to develop into a more progressive and successful kingdom than the Minoans. ( Scramuzza 1958, )
Unlike the Minoans, the Mycenaean were a military type of people. Their homes were not as open as their predecessors. Instead, they were fortified and compact. They had ramparts, palisades and passageways that proved to be superb defenses (Scramuzza 1958, 136). The Mycenaean also improved their tombs. The original shaft graves that they have used before were replaced by beehive, or circular, and domed tombs. Overlapping horizontal courses constitute the dome, their faces cut at the right curve. It had red and green marble for its exterior design and bronze rosettes for its interior. Other Achaean cities followed this certain design for tombs, proving to show the influence of the Mycenaeans. Another architectural bravado of Mycenaeans was their palaces. These served as their court, capital, barracks and citadel. These buildings were all so splendid, and yet they were rather restricting. They were rather large, probably an imposing sight to invading states. But this helped in protecting the state, although it did make cultural growth and development rather slow. (Scramuzza 1958, 134-135)
The years following the rule of the Mycenaean were somewhat turbulent because of the different attacks that have erupted in Greece. This hindered civilization development for a while, plunging Greek culture into a dark age. (Williams 2005, 17)
In the fourth century B.C., the Greeks rekindled their almost scarred culture and started finding their likes in life once again. They began a revolution in their sciences, education, arts and architecture. They were entering their Golden Age. They once again can focus on their lives.
The fourth century saw the rapid emergence of magnificent buildings such as temples. These structures were built in honor of the gods and goddesses whom the Greeks worship. These houses of worship both served as tributes to the deities and as mediums for communication with them. Each god and goddess was allotted their own temple, big or small, grand or simple. Some of these temples now lay in ruins, while others still have some remaining parts that help archeologists reconstruct them using modern technology. (Scramuzza 1958, 333)
This era also saw the construction of theaters that were comparable to the ones that we have nowadays. One was built in Epidaurus, and the other one is the theater rebuilt by Lycurgus in Dionysus precinct at Athens. The Epidaurus theater, which was able to seat around 7, 000 people, utilized acoustics so as to make the audience hear audibly every word the actors were saying, even if they were far away from the stage.
During the classical period of Greece, three orders or architectural styles were introduced. These were the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Each one had its specific look and each one was used sometimes alone or sometimes in combination with another order to construct the temples of the gods and goddesses.
The first type is the Doric. This column type has a sturdy base and body. It has no design whatsoever on its capital (the top portion of the column). It was as simple a column can be. The drums used to construct the Doric order are wide, which contributes to its sturdiness. This order was a favorite for temples and buildings in mainland Greece. (Williams 2005, 100)
The next type is the Ionic. Unlike its Doric counterpart, the Ionic order has a more decorative feel about it. This is because it has a scroll-like design on its capital. This is called a volute. This style was commonly used in Ionia and in islands in the Aegean. (Williams 2005, 100)
The last of the styles is the Corinthian order. This is similar to the Ionic, but this time, it has a more ornate design. The Corinthian sports acanthus leaves in its capital. This order was mainly used inside temples. (Williams 2005, 100)
All the three orders are constructed by using drums that are fitted together to form the columns. They have keystones in their centers, which act as guides for the workers when they are aligning them during construction. These blocks were massive they were made from marble often times. (Williams 2005, 102)
Famous examples of temples that incorporate these orders are the Parthenon, the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Apollo. (Williams 2005, 102) Each one used one or all of the three classical architectural orders. Round temples like the one at Tholoi at Delphi and at Epidaurus use all three orders. (Scramuzza 1958, 333)
As the years progressed, Greece extended its arms to other places and founded itself its own colonies. This was because mainland Greece was not enough to house all of its occupants. With the growing population, the people had to find ways to be able to live and continue their affairs. The result, many people moved away, forming colonies well outside Greece. (Williams 2005, 20)
One country opted by the migrants was Italy. In 750 B.C.E., a colony was founded in Cumae in the states southern part, and in 734 B.C.E., the colony of Corinth at Syracuse on the island of Sicily was also founded. This process continued until colonies were found in the western end of the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day Italy, France, and Spain, to the east in the island of Cyprus. (Williams 2005, 20)
The colonization of Greece of other places helped it spread its culture to the other civilizations living in the states they have chosen to settle their colonies in. The migrants brought the traditions of Greece with them, and technically, bringing with them the knowledge of architecture that they already know by heart. Other civilizations might have seen what they were capable of doing, a reason why they might have mimicked them. (Scramuzza 1958, 156)
It was not always Greece that was colonizing other places. It came to a time when even Greece herself was pun under the dominion of a more powerful kingdom. One such example is the Macedonian kingdom. Invasions from this formidable enemy started with Philip II, and continued with his son, Alexander III. When they successfully took over Greece, they did not stop their conquest of other kingdoms. Alexander III, with his ruthless ways, left death and destruction in his wake. But he also planted the seeds of Greek influence in the number of places that he had conquered. This helped spread the art, architecture, music, poetry, etc. of the Greek people. This laid down the foundation for the Hellenistic period, the period before the Greek empire finally collapsed under Roman conquest). (Williams 2005, 49-50)
Roman civilization, although one of the greatest among the ancient civilizations of the world, had some of its architectural prowess adapted from the Greeks. They have adapted a few things from Greek knowledge, one of it being the architecture types or the Greek orders.
The Roman Doric order had conical not cylindrical guttae, a plain moulding under the echinus, a smooth necking at the topmost part of the shaft, and also the pedestals on which the columns were. (Anderson and Spiers 1927, 42)
The Ionic order and the Corinthian orders of the Greeks were hardly modified in their Roman versions. Each still had that elaborate design in them, and that almost decorative purpose of existence. (Anderson and Spiers 1927, 43-44)
The following years proved to be a time of siege and surrender for the Greeks. A little after their Golden Age, they were conquered by the Byzantines and eventually were converted to Christians. Their temples were replaced by churches. Greek architecture was influenced by those who have conquered them. Even when the Ottoman Turks invaded the Greek islands, Christianity was still the mainstream religion, thus the mainstream influence of architecture. (Williams 2005, 112)
During the Renaissance, or the Rebirth, people once again look back to the past and rediscover the beauties of the ancient world. Along with this, a rekindled interest in the ancient architecture of Rome and Greece helped reintroduce Greco-Roman architecture to the world. From then on, architects have been using what they have acquired from the classical world to create new marvels of the age. (Williams 2005, 102)
Even today, in our modern world, we can still see the reminders of Greek architecture. We could see it banks, universities, courts, houses and churches even. This proves to show how the ingenuity of the ancient Greek architects continues to astound and inspire modern ones.
But what makes Greek architecture so astounding and enduring What makes it as elegant and as marvelous as before Maybe it is because of the fact that no other civilization, even ours, can compare with the achievements of the ancient Greek people. We can never truly imitate their masterpieces (Hamilton 1943, 17). Little is left of these masterpieces. What we have are just pieces, the remnants of what was once whole and complete. And yet the ingenuity and the simplicity of the designs challenge us to recreate them in our unique way and relive that once glorious world. That is why we treat the treasures of Ancient Greece, indeed of all other ancient civilizations, with great care. (Hamilton 1943, 17-18)
Greek architecture has continued to persist throughout the ages due to tis simple elegance. Even though the only decorative details could be found in minor parts of the architectural types (the orders), this does not make the styles overly simple, and at the same time, overly grand. Also, Greek architecture has been known to have that symmetry and balance that truly add to its appeal. The almost seamless symmetry of the orders is really pleasant to the eyes and that helps bring about a sense of awe and adoration to anyone who sees them.
Sadly though, some of the structures of long ago have yielded to decay and destruction. They were well engineered for their time, an achievement we must applaud the Greeks for, but natural calamities can truly make a big nuisance. Some of the temples that once stood straight and tall now lay in ruins, the victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters. Lucky for us, there are still those remaining few that, although they themselves have experienced bad times, still hold discernible links to the past.
The Greeks have contributed a great deal to our art and architecture. They have provided us with very useful and well-crafted mementos that we still use to inspire us up until now.
The Greeks, like many other ancient people, began with simple and basic structures. This evolved into more decorative yet useful buildings and structures as their culture expanded. The most notable contributions that they have given architecture are their three orders or styles the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. They have used these masterfully in the creation of their temples and many other facilities.
When they were the ones conquering other states, Greece let her colonies spread her culture to whatever reach they may get. When they were the ones being conquered, even their captors cannot resist acquiring the knowledge of the Greek architects. They even helped the Greek culture spread even more in their conquest of other nations.
There came a time when the ancient Greek architecture almost disappeared. But due to the Renaissance, people once again rediscovered the beauty of the forgotten classical world and revived what has been almost lost in the dusty passages of time. Through this, the legacy of the Greek people continued.
Even in our modern period, Greek architecture is still being used by many in the construction of many buildings such as banks, courthouses, mansions, universities, and many more. This is not evident in Europe alone, but also in other parts of the world as well. Where Greek influence is present, there can be seen Greek architecture. This proves to show that no matter what the date or the era, Greek architecture will continue to live on. It has that retaining quality that can transcend time, something that will help to keep it alive in the many years to come in the pages of human history.
Among the great civilizations that have walked the earth, one truly became an influential power not only in Europe, but all around the world as well. This civilization is that of the Ancient Greeks.
In the pages of human history, the Ancient Greek civilization has contributed in many different fields. They have given something to music, poetry, rhetoric, theater, politics, education and many more. They have produced outstanding minds, many of which are still remembered today. Pythagoras, Euripedes, Pindar, Aristophanes, Herodotus and Plato these are but a few of those brilliant Greek minds who have handed down their priceless teachings and principles to their respective fields, many of which we still use today.
The ancient Greeks have contributed so much in different fields. To tackle all of them would be illuminating indeed, but for the sake of brevity, this paper will only discuss the architecture of the ancient Greeks, the influence that they have had on their contemporary civilizations and the influences that they still have on modern day society.
One of the outstanding achievements of man is architecture. Since time immemorial, we have been building and modifying structures that provide us shelter and comfort. From the early tree houses to the modern day skyscrapers, we have continuously developed our ability to create marvelous structures.
The ancient world boasts of many architectural wonders, many of which can still be seen today. Each civilization has given us their own proof of their great architectural minds. Ancient Egypt gave us towering pyramids (Scramuzza 1958, 24). The Aztecs and Mayas gave us their magnificent temples. The Romans gave us massive theaters, senate buildings and schools. The ancient Greeks also had their own contributions to architecture, which will be discussed later on.
We must take note that the architectural genius of each civilization or of each period reflects the kind of lifestyle that they possessed. In doing so, it would be easier for us to understand why they have built such structures during their stay here on earth. Just like any other civilization, ancient Greece underwent different periods of change. These have brought about many developments in the architecture of Greece, culminating in the countrys Golden Age.
Architecture in Greece can be traced as far back as to the Neolithic period. The Aegean kingdom was first inhabited during this age, in about 6000 B.C. (Scramuzza 1958, 119). The first huts built by the early Aegean man were half-buried. Later on, these abodes were constructed totally above the ground. The shapes of the huts (rectangular, oval, octagonal, circular) varied by location. These simple houses used a structural skeleton of poles as framework. The walls were interwoven with wattle and the roof with thatch. (Scramuzza 1958, 10)
Many years went past. Civilization in Greece progressed rather slowly for almost 3, 000 years. But there was one kingdom in the country that was showing signs of development (Scramuzza 1958, 119). This was the Minoan kingdom, whose home rests in the island of Crete located south of Greece. (Williams 2005, 6)
The Minoans had a very peaceful disposition. They had little problem with their relations with other states and countries. This is based on the fact that the houses that they have built, although massive by our standards, were rather quite open. They may have several rooms, but they were only separated by columns. The houses of merchants varied between two and three stories. They had multiple apartments and had workshops situated in the ground-floor. This was where the artisan worked. (Scramuzza 1958, 122)
If there was one thing that the Minoans prided themselves in, it was their ability to build palaces. These structures were elaborate and even had running water and drainage in them (Williams 2005, 6). They also had a room that was dedicated for worshipping the gods, the ones the people believed to bring them good fortune. (Scramuzza 1958, 122)
One famous example of the grand architecture of the Minoans is the Palace of Knossos. The palace had many stories, which consisted of unevenly distributed terraces. The tiers terminated in flat roofs, akin to the rooftops of modern day apartments. An interesting feature of this building is that it had a maze of halls and corridors. These in turn branch off to different offices and suites. This particular characteristic of the Palace of Knossos eventually gave rise to the myth of the labyrinth (the one with the Minotaur, who required a sacrifice of seven youths every year). The columns that support the building had thinner lower bodies than higher upper ones. Windows were constructed for outside rooms, while light wells were provided for inner rooms. Magnificent porticoes, entrances and staircases were additional features of this large palace. (Scramuzza 1958, 126)
The Minoan kingdom did not last forever. After about two thousand years, the Mycenaean came into power. They were from the city of Mycenae, located in southern Greeces Peloponnese Peninsula. They were what historians considered as the first Greeks. Their rule lasted from 1600 B.C. to 1200 B.C. It is believed that the Mycenaean bested the Minoans, eventually leading to the inclusion of Crete to the Greek Empire. (Williams 2005, 6-7) But the Mycenaean, although they had somehow overthrown the Minoans, were greatly influenced by them. Their style of clothing, their liking for palaces, their preferred weaponry and their followed customs were indicators of how much they have copied the Minoan kingdoms lifestyle. It is not that surprising though, for the vassals of the Minoans were the Mycenaean. These vassals were mighty lords themselves, and eventually they were able to develop into a more progressive and successful kingdom than the Minoans. ( Scramuzza 1958, )
Unlike the Minoans, the Mycenaean were a military type of people. Their homes were not as open as their predecessors. Instead, they were fortified and compact. They had ramparts, palisades and passageways that proved to be superb defenses (Scramuzza 1958, 136). The Mycenaean also improved their tombs. The original shaft graves that they have used before were replaced by beehive, or circular, and domed tombs. Overlapping horizontal courses constitute the dome, their faces cut at the right curve. It had red and green marble for its exterior design and bronze rosettes for its interior. Other Achaean cities followed this certain design for tombs, proving to show the influence of the Mycenaeans. Another architectural bravado of Mycenaeans was their palaces. These served as their court, capital, barracks and citadel. These buildings were all so splendid, and yet they were rather restricting. They were rather large, probably an imposing sight to invading states. But this helped in protecting the state, although it did make cultural growth and development rather slow. (Scramuzza 1958, 134-135)
The years following the rule of the Mycenaean were somewhat turbulent because of the different attacks that have erupted in Greece. This hindered civilization development for a while, plunging Greek culture into a dark age. (Williams 2005, 17)
In the fourth century B.C., the Greeks rekindled their almost scarred culture and started finding their likes in life once again. They began a revolution in their sciences, education, arts and architecture. They were entering their Golden Age. They once again can focus on their lives.
The fourth century saw the rapid emergence of magnificent buildings such as temples. These structures were built in honor of the gods and goddesses whom the Greeks worship. These houses of worship both served as tributes to the deities and as mediums for communication with them. Each god and goddess was allotted their own temple, big or small, grand or simple. Some of these temples now lay in ruins, while others still have some remaining parts that help archeologists reconstruct them using modern technology. (Scramuzza 1958, 333)
This era also saw the construction of theaters that were comparable to the ones that we have nowadays. One was built in Epidaurus, and the other one is the theater rebuilt by Lycurgus in Dionysus precinct at Athens. The Epidaurus theater, which was able to seat around 7, 000 people, utilized acoustics so as to make the audience hear audibly every word the actors were saying, even if they were far away from the stage.
During the classical period of Greece, three orders or architectural styles were introduced. These were the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Each one had its specific look and each one was used sometimes alone or sometimes in combination with another order to construct the temples of the gods and goddesses.
The first type is the Doric. This column type has a sturdy base and body. It has no design whatsoever on its capital (the top portion of the column). It was as simple a column can be. The drums used to construct the Doric order are wide, which contributes to its sturdiness. This order was a favorite for temples and buildings in mainland Greece. (Williams 2005, 100)
The next type is the Ionic. Unlike its Doric counterpart, the Ionic order has a more decorative feel about it. This is because it has a scroll-like design on its capital. This is called a volute. This style was commonly used in Ionia and in islands in the Aegean. (Williams 2005, 100)
The last of the styles is the Corinthian order. This is similar to the Ionic, but this time, it has a more ornate design. The Corinthian sports acanthus leaves in its capital. This order was mainly used inside temples. (Williams 2005, 100)
All the three orders are constructed by using drums that are fitted together to form the columns. They have keystones in their centers, which act as guides for the workers when they are aligning them during construction. These blocks were massive they were made from marble often times. (Williams 2005, 102)
Famous examples of temples that incorporate these orders are the Parthenon, the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Apollo. (Williams 2005, 102) Each one used one or all of the three classical architectural orders. Round temples like the one at Tholoi at Delphi and at Epidaurus use all three orders. (Scramuzza 1958, 333)
As the years progressed, Greece extended its arms to other places and founded itself its own colonies. This was because mainland Greece was not enough to house all of its occupants. With the growing population, the people had to find ways to be able to live and continue their affairs. The result, many people moved away, forming colonies well outside Greece. (Williams 2005, 20)
One country opted by the migrants was Italy. In 750 B.C.E., a colony was founded in Cumae in the states southern part, and in 734 B.C.E., the colony of Corinth at Syracuse on the island of Sicily was also founded. This process continued until colonies were found in the western end of the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day Italy, France, and Spain, to the east in the island of Cyprus. (Williams 2005, 20)
The colonization of Greece of other places helped it spread its culture to the other civilizations living in the states they have chosen to settle their colonies in. The migrants brought the traditions of Greece with them, and technically, bringing with them the knowledge of architecture that they already know by heart. Other civilizations might have seen what they were capable of doing, a reason why they might have mimicked them. (Scramuzza 1958, 156)
It was not always Greece that was colonizing other places. It came to a time when even Greece herself was pun under the dominion of a more powerful kingdom. One such example is the Macedonian kingdom. Invasions from this formidable enemy started with Philip II, and continued with his son, Alexander III. When they successfully took over Greece, they did not stop their conquest of other kingdoms. Alexander III, with his ruthless ways, left death and destruction in his wake. But he also planted the seeds of Greek influence in the number of places that he had conquered. This helped spread the art, architecture, music, poetry, etc. of the Greek people. This laid down the foundation for the Hellenistic period, the period before the Greek empire finally collapsed under Roman conquest). (Williams 2005, 49-50)
Roman civilization, although one of the greatest among the ancient civilizations of the world, had some of its architectural prowess adapted from the Greeks. They have adapted a few things from Greek knowledge, one of it being the architecture types or the Greek orders.
The Roman Doric order had conical not cylindrical guttae, a plain moulding under the echinus, a smooth necking at the topmost part of the shaft, and also the pedestals on which the columns were. (Anderson and Spiers 1927, 42)
The Ionic order and the Corinthian orders of the Greeks were hardly modified in their Roman versions. Each still had that elaborate design in them, and that almost decorative purpose of existence. (Anderson and Spiers 1927, 43-44)
The following years proved to be a time of siege and surrender for the Greeks. A little after their Golden Age, they were conquered by the Byzantines and eventually were converted to Christians. Their temples were replaced by churches. Greek architecture was influenced by those who have conquered them. Even when the Ottoman Turks invaded the Greek islands, Christianity was still the mainstream religion, thus the mainstream influence of architecture. (Williams 2005, 112)
During the Renaissance, or the Rebirth, people once again look back to the past and rediscover the beauties of the ancient world. Along with this, a rekindled interest in the ancient architecture of Rome and Greece helped reintroduce Greco-Roman architecture to the world. From then on, architects have been using what they have acquired from the classical world to create new marvels of the age. (Williams 2005, 102)
Even today, in our modern world, we can still see the reminders of Greek architecture. We could see it banks, universities, courts, houses and churches even. This proves to show how the ingenuity of the ancient Greek architects continues to astound and inspire modern ones.
But what makes Greek architecture so astounding and enduring What makes it as elegant and as marvelous as before Maybe it is because of the fact that no other civilization, even ours, can compare with the achievements of the ancient Greek people. We can never truly imitate their masterpieces (Hamilton 1943, 17). Little is left of these masterpieces. What we have are just pieces, the remnants of what was once whole and complete. And yet the ingenuity and the simplicity of the designs challenge us to recreate them in our unique way and relive that once glorious world. That is why we treat the treasures of Ancient Greece, indeed of all other ancient civilizations, with great care. (Hamilton 1943, 17-18)
Greek architecture has continued to persist throughout the ages due to tis simple elegance. Even though the only decorative details could be found in minor parts of the architectural types (the orders), this does not make the styles overly simple, and at the same time, overly grand. Also, Greek architecture has been known to have that symmetry and balance that truly add to its appeal. The almost seamless symmetry of the orders is really pleasant to the eyes and that helps bring about a sense of awe and adoration to anyone who sees them.
Sadly though, some of the structures of long ago have yielded to decay and destruction. They were well engineered for their time, an achievement we must applaud the Greeks for, but natural calamities can truly make a big nuisance. Some of the temples that once stood straight and tall now lay in ruins, the victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters. Lucky for us, there are still those remaining few that, although they themselves have experienced bad times, still hold discernible links to the past.
The Greeks have contributed a great deal to our art and architecture. They have provided us with very useful and well-crafted mementos that we still use to inspire us up until now.
The Greeks, like many other ancient people, began with simple and basic structures. This evolved into more decorative yet useful buildings and structures as their culture expanded. The most notable contributions that they have given architecture are their three orders or styles the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. They have used these masterfully in the creation of their temples and many other facilities.
When they were the ones conquering other states, Greece let her colonies spread her culture to whatever reach they may get. When they were the ones being conquered, even their captors cannot resist acquiring the knowledge of the Greek architects. They even helped the Greek culture spread even more in their conquest of other nations.
There came a time when the ancient Greek architecture almost disappeared. But due to the Renaissance, people once again rediscovered the beauty of the forgotten classical world and revived what has been almost lost in the dusty passages of time. Through this, the legacy of the Greek people continued.
Even in our modern period, Greek architecture is still being used by many in the construction of many buildings such as banks, courthouses, mansions, universities, and many more. This is not evident in Europe alone, but also in other parts of the world as well. Where Greek influence is present, there can be seen Greek architecture. This proves to show that no matter what the date or the era, Greek architecture will continue to live on. It has that retaining quality that can transcend time, something that will help to keep it alive in the many years to come in the pages of human history.
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