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Humanistic Culture of the Greeks

• The Greeks centered their culture on humanism, emphasizing human wisdom over divine will.

• This shift allowed for the development of democratic systems, driven by the value placed on individual qualities such as beauty, courage, and wisdom.

• The celebration of physical prowess was expressed through games and sports alongside intellectual pursuits like philosophy, literature, and theater.

Celebration of Physical Beauty

• Greek art, particularly sculpture, showcased the ideal of the human body.

• A canon of beauty was established based on symmetry and proportions, often utilizing mathematical ratios such as pi and phi.

• The golden ratio was significant, occurring across various natural forms, including the shape of a nautilus shell.

Principles of Greek Worldview

Democracy and Beauty

• Two core principles undergirding the Greek worldview:

  • The concept of democracy, which influenced urban planning and architecture.

  • The pursuit of beauty and perfection, epitomized by the ideal human form.

Architecture and City Planning

• Greek cities were designed with an upper city (acropolis) housing temples and a lower city dedicated to the populace and public buildings.

• Public buildings were crucial for communal life and designed with equal access in mind, often arranged in a grid layout.

• Architectural designs followed principles of order and proportion, incorporating the golden ratio.

The Parthenon and Column Orders

• The Parthenon exemplifies the incorporation of these principles in Greek architecture.

• Greek architecture utilized a post and lintel system inspired by human anatomy in column design:

  • Capital = head

  • Shaft = body

  • Base = foot

• Three main styles of columns:

  • Doric Order: Solid, masculine columns with a simple capital.

  • Ionic Order: More ornate and elegant, representing a feminine aesthetic.

  • Corinthian Order: Highly decorative and elaborate columns.

• Entasis: A technique used to create an optical illusion of perfection by subtly adjusting column dimensions.

Building Types in Greek Architecture

Earliest Structures: Megaron

• The megaron was a significant structure, serving as a hall for gatherings, prayers, and feasts.

• This layout featured a colonnade, an open veranda, and an enclosed room, influencing future architectural designs.

Greek Temples

• Greek temples consistently illustrated universal design principles of order and beauty while reflecting democratic ideals.

• Variations existed based on size, column arrangement, and site placement, harmonizing with natural landscapes rather than dominating them.

• Notable example: Temple of Delphi, showcasing a circular form and strategic location.

Cultural Significance of Greek Architectural Forms

• Theaters: Design fitted the landscape for public assemblies and performances.

• Stadiums: Hosted games, with facilities for athletics, including gymnasiums and hippodromes for horse racing.

• Agora: Essential public spaces promoting vibrant community life, featuring marketplaces and gathering areas.

• Stoas: Covered walkways lining public spaces, employing the same architectural principles as temples.

Conclusion

• Greek architecture reflects a pursuit of order and perfection, embodying the democratic principles that define their urban environments.