Greek Architecture

Acropolis

The "high city"; a fortified citadel, most famously the one in Athens holding the Parthenon.

Arthur Evans

The archaeologist who excavated Knossos and "discovered" the Minoan civilization.

Doric order

The simplest and oldest style of Greek columns, featuring plain capitals and no base.

Erichtheion

An unusual temple on the Acropolis dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, famous for its "Porch of the Maidens."

Heinrich Schliemann

The archaeologist who excavated Troy and Mycenae, often criticized for his destructive methods.

Ionic order

A more decorative architectural style featuring columns with scroll-like "volutes" at the top.

Minoans

The Bronze Age civilization on Crete known for the palace at Knossos and bull-leaping.

Mycenaeans

The mainland Bronze Age Greeks known for fortified "cyclopean" walls and warrior culture.

Parthenon

The temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos on the Athenian Acropolis; a masterpiece of Doric architecture.

Peristyle

A row of columns surrounding a building or a courtyard.

Propylea

The monumental gateway entrance to the Athenian Acropolis.

Stone socle

The stone base or foundation upon which mud-brick walls were built.

Temple of Athena Nike

A small, elegant Ionic temple on the Acropolis celebrating victory.

Trireme

The standard Greek warship with three banks of oars, designed for ramming.