Greek Architecture Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key concepts of Greek architecture, including influences, characteristics, structures, and terminology.

What is the significance of Mount Olympus in Greek mythology and geography?

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain, regarded as the heavenly abode of the Greek gods and the site of Zeus' throne.

How did the geographical situation of Greece influence its communication and urban development?

The rugged terrain and widespread islands made communication difficult, with Athens as its center kingdom containing the upper city known as "Citadel".

What was the chief mineral wealth of Greece and how did it impact their architecture?

Marble, found in abundance, facilitated exactness of line and refinement of detail in Greek architecture.

How did the climate of Greece influence its public life and the types of buildings constructed?

The climate favored an outdoor life, leading to public ceremonies in open air and limited variety of public buildings other than temples.

How did religious beliefs and practices influence Greek society?

The Greeks were devoted to religion, worshipping natural phenomena personified by Gods, with each town or district having its own divinities, ceremonies, and traditions.

Who is Aphrodite?

Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty.

What are the periods of development in Greek architecture?

Early Period (3000-700BC), Hellenic Period (800-323BC), and Hellenistic Period (323-30BC).

What are the characteristics of Mycenaean architecture?

Mycenaean architecture is characterized by shaft graves, monumental beehives/beehive tombs, and palaces fortified with cyclopean walls.

What are the characteristics of Minoan architecture?

Minoan architecture is characterized by elaborate palaces with porches providing access to unfortified compounds.

What are the three kinds of masonry used in Minoan and Mycenaean architecture?

Cyclopean, Rectangular, and Polygonal.

What were the characteristics of the Hellenic Period of Greek architecture?

The Hellenic Period was mostly of religious character; which was essentially Columnar & Trabeated.

What defines the Hellenistic Period in Greek architecture?

The Hellenistic Period development focused on civic design and town planning, with buildings laid out on symmetrical lines in orderly schemes.

Name some of the chief diversions in Greek social life.

Chief diversions were music, dancing, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics & bull-fighting often with religious connection.

What are the main characteristics of Greek architectural design?

Simplicity & harmony, purity of line, perfection of proportions, refinement of detail.

What is the system of construction used in Greek architecture?

Columnar & Trabeated.

What is the primary material used in Greek architecture?

Marble.

What were the principal structures in Greek architecture?

Temples.

What are the three orders of Greek columns?

Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Describe the plan, walls and openings of Greek Temples.

Entrances face east, walls were made of stone or marble, and that temples were windowless.

How many columns does a Tetrastyle structure have?

Four columns.

What does Amphi-antis mean in relation to the arrangement of exterior columns of the temple in relation to the naos?

Two columns are positioned between anta at the front and rear.

What is the intercolumniation for Pycnostyle structures?

1 ½ diameter.

What is the form of an Anthemion ornament?

Radiating cluster.

Where can architectural sculptures be found?

Found in the frieze, tympanum, acroterion & metope.

What is a Tholos?

Domed Chamber.

What is a Temenos?

“sacred enclosure”, also known as citadel or acropolis or upper city.

What are the parts of Greek temples?

Naos, Pronaos, and Epinaos.

Name an example of where famous Choragic competitions took place.

Theater of Dionysos, Athens.

What is an Abacus?

The flat square slab on top of a capital.

What is a Dromos?

The long deep passageway to an ancient Egyptian tomb.

What is Pteroma?

Space between wall & column.

What is the drawing about?

Optical Corrections in Architecture