Module 5

Greek Architecture

1. Historical Context

A. Aegean Period (Minoan) 1900-1100 BC

  • Civilizations on Crete and Greek mainland.

  • Established as the first great commercial and naval power in the Mediterranean.

  • Trade networks connected to Asia Minor, Cyprus, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, South Italy, and Sicily.

  • Prominent city: Knossos with a magnificent palace.

B. Mycenaean or Helladic Period (1550-1100 BC)

  • Continuation of Cretan influence with craftsmanship in mainland Greece.

  • Wealth derived from control of metal trading between Europe and the Middle East.

C. Hellenic Period (800-323 BC)

  • Development of city-states, primarily Sparta and Athens.

  • Emergence of the polis as the foundation of Greek society, with various forms of government (oligarchic, tyrannic, democratic).

  • Golden Age under Pericles featuring significant advancements in art, philosophy, and military efforts.

    • Important figures: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle.

    • Alexander the Great expanded Greek culture across vast territories.

2. Hellenistic Kingdoms (Post-Alexander) c. 301 BCE

  • Fragmentation of Greek civilization into several kingdoms following Alexander's death.

  • Expansion of Greek culture and architecture influenced by localized governance.

3. Geology and Climate

  • Rugged terrain led to isolated communities and reliance on sea for trade.

  • Favorable climate for precise architectural forms due to clear atmosphere.

  • Public activities often occurred outdoors (judicial, ceremonial).

4. Religious Practices

A. Aegean Religion

  • Initially marked by nature worship with priestesses leading rituals.

B. Greek Religion

  • Worship developed into a well-structured pantheon involving deities who influenced human affairs.

  • Oracles, like that of Delphi, served as important sites for divine guidance.

5. Architectural Characteristics

A. Aegean Architecture

  • Generally rough and massive structures.

B. Hellenic Architecture

  • Focus on religious architecture with motifs imitating timber designs in stone.

C. Hellenistic Architecture

  • Civic structures aimed at public use.

  • Architectural styles became more dignified and graceful.

6. Construction Systems

  • Predominantly columnar and trabeated designs.

  • Introduction of roof trusses allowed for larger, uninterrupted spaces.

7. Examples of Greek Architecture

A. Domestic Structures

  1. Houses on Islands

    • Flat roofs, multi-storey blocks, light wells.

  2. Houses on Mainland

    • Single-storey deep plan with a central doorway.

B. Tombs

  • Rock-cut or chamber tombs (Tholos) significant in Mycenaean culture, often beehive-shaped.

    • Example: Treasury of Atreus.

C. Palaces

  • Notable examples include the Palace of King Minos in Knossos and Lion Gate in Mycenae.

D. Temples

  • Early temples resembled megaron; designed as shrines to gods.

    • Key architectural elements include stylobate, cella, and pronaos.

8. Architectural Details

A. Mouldings

  • Used to produce definition with light and shadow; refined contours due to marble quality.

B. Entasis

  • Refinements to correct optical illusions in columns, enhancing aesthetic perception.

9. Natural Lighting Methods

  • Lack of windows; use of skylights and clerestories for illumination.

10. Greek Orders of Architecture

A. Doric Order

  • Simplistic and sturdy style with no base.

B. Ionic Order

  • Characterized by scroll capitals; more slender than Doric.

C. Corinthian Order

  • Most ornate, featuring a deeper capital inspired by acanthus flowers.

11. Notable Greek Temples

  1. Parthenon, Acropolis

  2. Temple of Nike Apteros, Athens

  3. Temple of Artemis, Ephesus

12. Major Architectural Sites in Greece

A. Acropolis of Athens

  • Location of multiple significant structures: Parthenon, Erectheion, etc.

B. Agora

  • Central marketplace and assembly area vital to public life.

C. Theaters

  • Designed for musical performances; acoustically efficient.

    • Example: Theater of Epidauros.

13. Conclusion

  • Greek architecture has significantly influenced future Western architecture, characterized by its remarkable forms, advanced construction methods, and profound cultural symbolism.