Hellenistic and Classical Greek Architecture

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from Hellenistic and Classical Greek architecture, including historical figures, architectural orders, and significant monuments.

Peloponnesian War

A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta from 431-404 BCE.

Philip II of Macedon

King who annexed all of Greece in 338 BCE.

Alexander the Great

Ruler from 336-323 BCE, known for his extensive empire and cultural assimilation.

Hellenistic

Refers to the art and architecture associated with the empire of Alexander the Great and his successors.

Doric Order

The sturdiest of the classical orders based on the proportions of a man. The least decorative.

Ionic Order

A lighter column style reflecting the proportions of a woman, characterized by volutes. Scrolls like designs.

Corinthian Order

The most ornate of the classical orders with a highly decorated capital suggesting a young maiden.

Temple of Apollo Epicurius

An ancient Greek temple notable for its orientation and architectural styles.

Tholos

A circular building used in Greek architecture often associated with temples or tombs.

Choragic Monument of Lysikrates

A small cylindrical monument in Athens built to honor the god Dionysus.

Etruscan Architecture

The architectural style developed by the Etruscans in North-Central Italy, influencing Roman styles.

Agora

The civic and commercial center of a Greek city.

Bouleterion

A building used for meetings of the senate in classical Greek architecture.

Stoa

A linear building with one or more rows of columns used for various purposes in Greek architecture.

Theater of Dionysus

An ancient Greek theater on the south side of the Acropolis, known for its unique architectural features.

Theater of Epidaurus

An ancient theater notable for its exceptional acoustics and well-preserved structure.

Hephaisteion

A temple in Athens dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of the forge.

Stoa of Attalos

A covered walkway or portico used for informal meetings and jury trials in Athens.

Orchestra

The circular area used for dancing in ancient Greek theaters.

Skene

The backdrop building in a classical theater providing a stage for actors.

Colonnade

A series of regularly spaced columns supporting a roof.

Paestum

An ancient Greek city known for its well-preserved temples and urban planning.

Pythagoras

An ancient Greek philosopher credited with significant contributions to mathematics and city planning.

Cloaca Maxima

The major sewer of ancient Rome initially constructed by the Etruscans.

Vitruvius

An ancient Roman architect, known for his work 'The Ten Books on Architecture'.

Arch

A curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight above it.

Vault

A roof or ceiling constructed using arches; it can take various forms.

Dome

An architectural feature formed by the rotation of an arch on its vertical axis.

Entasis

A slight convex curvature in a column, creating an optical illusion of straightness.

Caryatid

An architectural column in the form of a standing female figure.

Roman Forum

The central public space in ancient Rome used for various activities including elections.

Acropolis

A fortified high area or citadel of an ancient Greek city, often containing temples.

Temple Plan

The layout of a classical Greek temple, typically rectangular with a colonnade.

Olympia

An ancient Greek site where the Olympic Games were held, known for its temples.

Asklepios

The Greek god of medicine, often celebrated in temples and tholoi.

Agora Plan

The layout of the civic and commercial center, reflecting the social structure of the city.

Corinthian Capital

An ornate capital decorated with acanthus leaves, characteristic of the Corinthian order.

Metope

The panel between triglyphs on a Doric frieze, often depicting scenes from mythology.

Triglyph

The three-grooved vertical panel that alternates with metopes in Doric friezes.

Erechtheum

An ancient Greek temple on the Acropolis, known for its unique architectural features.

Zeus

The king of the Greek gods, often worshiped with monumental temples.

Dionysus

The Greek god of wine and festivity, frequently depicted in theater and monuments.

Hippodamus of Miletus

An ancient Greek architect and urban planner known for the grid plan.