Classical Greek Architecture and Sculpture

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, figures, and concepts from the lecture notes on Classical Greek Architecture and Sculpture.

Raking Sima

A sloping, decorative element at the edge of a roof.

Raking Geison

A sloping element of the cornice on a pediment.

Cornice

The uppermost section of a classical entablature.

Triglyph

A vertically grooved block in a Doric frieze.

Geison

A horizontal element of the cornice.

Mutule

A flat block under the cornice of a Doric temple, ornamented with guttae.

Frieze

The middle section of a classical entablature, often ornamented with sculpture.

Metope

A rectangular architectural element that fills the space between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze.

Guttae

Small, cone-shaped projections under the triglyphs and mutules of a Doric entablature.

Architrave

The lowest section of a classical entablature, resting directly on the columns.

Abacus

A flat slab forming the uppermost member of a capital.

Capital

The decorative top of a column or pier.

Echinus

A convex molding in the Doric or Ionic capital directly below the abacus.

Stylobate

A continuous base supporting a row of columns in classical Greek architecture.

Shaft

The main vertical part of a column, between the base and the capital.

Stereobate

A stepped base on which a Greek temple is built.

Column

A vertical support consisting of a base, shaft, and capital.

Entablature

A horizontal part of a classical building that rests on the columns and consists of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Volute

A spiral scroll characteristic of Ionic capitals.

Leveling Course / Euthynteria

The uppermost course of a foundation, designed to provide a level surface for the structure above.

Acroterion

An ornamental feature placed on a flat base called the acroterium and mounted at the apex of the pediment of a Greek temple.

Pediment

The triangular upper part of the front of a classical building.

Gable

The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof.

Dentil

One of a series of small, rectangular blocks forming a molding under a cornice.

Moldings

Decorative contours or patterns used in architecture.

Boss

A decorative knoblike element.

Rosette

A round, stylized flower design.

Acanthus Leaf

A stylized leaf used as a decorative element, especially on Corinthian capitals.

Necking

A plain, narrow section between the capital and the shaft of a column.

Drum

One of the cylindrical blocks composing a column.

Flute

Vertical channeling on the shaft of a column.

Fillet

A small, flat, bandlike molding separating larger moldings.

Base

The lowest part of a column or pier.

Perikles

Athenian statesman during the Golden Age of Greece

Acropolis

A fortified upper part of an ancient Greek city, notably that of Athens.

Peace of Kallias

A peace treaty between the Delian League (led by Athens) and Persia, around 449 B.C.

Delian League

An association of Greek city-states, under the leadership of Athens, whose treasury was moved to Athens in 454 B.C.

Peloponnesian War

A war between Athens and Sparta, lasting from 431-404 B.C.

Parthenon

A temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, built on the Athenian Acropolis in the 5th century BC.

Propylaea

The monumental gateway to the Acropolis in Athens.

Ictinos and Kallikrates

The architects of the Parthenon.

Phidias

A Greek sculptor, considered one of the greatest of classical sculptors, in charge of the sculptural program for the Parthenon.

Athena Promachos

Phidias’ sculpture of Athena as a combatant.

Erechtheion

An ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens in Greece, dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

Cecropion

The tomb of the mythical first king of Athens, Cecrops, located near the Erechtheion.

Pandroseion

A sanctuary dedicated to Pandrosos, daughter of Cecrops, located near the Erechtheion.

Propylaea

The monumental gateway to the Acropolis in Athens.

Chalcotheke

A structure on the Acropolis used to store bronze items.

Bravronion

A sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia on the Acropolis.

Nike Temple

A temple on the Acropolis dedicated to Athena Nike.

Mnesicles

The architect of Propylaea.

Krepis

The foundations of a Greek building, usually of three steps.

Frontón

Spanish word for Pediment

Entablamento

Spanish word for Entablature

Columnata jónica

Spanish word for Ionic Columns

Pronaos

The inner area of the portico of a Greek or Roman temple, between the columns and the cella.

Cella / Naos

The main chamber of a Greek temple, housing the cult statue.

Opisthodomos

The rear room of a Greek temple, used as a treasury or for storage.

Anta

Posts or pillars on either side of a doorway.

Chryselephantine

Made of gold and ivory.

Lord Elgin

British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire (1799-1803) who removed marbles from the Parthenon.

Amazonomachy

The mythical battle between the Greeks and the Amazons.

Gigantomachy

The mythical battle between the gods and the giants.

Catenaries

U Shape Folds of Drapery

Peplos

A rich robe or blanket.

Panathenaic Procession

A religious procession held every four years in Athens.

Hydria Carriers

People who carry water jars in procession

West Pediment of Parthenon

Contest Between Athena & Poseidon, c.438-432 B.C.

Caryatid Porch

A porch featuring sculpted female figures as supporting columns.

Grave Stele of Hegeso

A funerary monument. c.400 B.C.

Orchestra

Circular dancing space in front of the stage

Parodos

Entrance of the chorus in a Greek theater

Skene

Building directly behind the playing area

Proskenion

A raised platform in front of the skene

Mausolos of Halikarnassos

Persian Satrap & Prince of Caria around 350 B.C.

Artemisia

Wife of Mausolos of Halikarnassos.

Quadriga

A chariot drawn by four horses.

Polykleitos

Greek sculptor, created Doryphoros. c.450-440 B.C.

Praxiteles

Greek sculptor, created Venus of Cnidus and Hermes with Dionysius. c.350 B.C.

Venus Pudica

An attitude of modesty in which the female figure covers her breasts.

Lysippus

Greek sculptor, created Apoxyomenos, c.330 B.C.

Skopas

Greek sculptor, created Meleager, Vatican Collection. c.350 B.C.

Leochares

Greek sculptor, created Apollo Belvedere, Vatican Mus. c.350-325 B.C.

Laocoön

Agasandros, Polydoros, Athanadoros of Rhodes. Mid. 2nd cent. B.C., Hellenistic

Nike of Samothrace

A famous Hellenistic sculpture.

Aphrodite of Melos

Also called Venus de Milo

Eumenes II

197-159 B.C.