Greek History > Ancient Greek Structures

Ancient Greek Structures

Ancient Greek structures are renowned for their architectural innovations, aesthetic principles, and lasting influence on Western architecture. Here's a detailed overview of various types of ancient Greek structures, their characteristics, and their cultural significance:

1. Temples

• Purpose: Temples were primarily built to honor and house the deities of the Greek pantheon. They served as places of worship and housed cult statues.
• Architecture: Greek temples are typically rectangular and feature columns, a pronaos (porch), a naos (central chamber), and an opisthodomos (rear room).
  • Doric Order: Characterized by sturdy, fluted columns with simple capitals, a plain architrave, and a frieze of triglyphs and metopes. Example: Parthenon in Athens.
  • Ionic Order: Noted for slender, fluted columns with volute (spiral) capitals, a continuous frieze, and more decorative elements. Example: Temple of Athena Nike.
  • Corinthian Order: The most ornate, with slender fluted columns and elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves. Example: Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens.
• Examples:
  • Parthenon: A Doric temple dedicated to Athena, symbolizing the height of Athenian power and artistic achievement.
  • Temple of Hephaestus: Another well-preserved Doric temple located in the Athenian Agora.
  • Erechtheion: Known for its Caryatids, the Ionic temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

2. Theatres

• Purpose: Theatres were constructed for dramatic performances, religious festivals, and public gatherings.
• Architecture: Greek theatres were typically built into hillsides to utilize the natural slope for seating (theatron), and included a circular orchestra (performance space) and a skene (stage building).
• Examples:
  • Theatre of Epidaurus: Famous for its exceptional acoustics and well-preserved structure.
  • Theatre of Dionysus: Located in Athens, it was the principal theatre for the performance of tragedies and comedies during the Dionysia festival.

3. Stoas

• Purpose: Stoas were covered walkways or porticos, often used for public meetings, commerce, and social activities.
• Architecture: Long, colonnaded structures providing shelter and space for various activities.
• Examples:
  • Stoa of Attalos: Located in the Athenian Agora, it has been reconstructed and now houses a museum.
  • Stoa Poikile: Known for its painted murals and association with the philosopher Zeno of Citium, founder of Stoicism.

4. Agoras

• Purpose: The Agora served as the central public space in Greek city-states, functioning as a marketplace, civic center, and meeting place.
• Architecture: Open spaces surrounded by stoas, temples, and other public buildings. It included areas for trade, political discussions, and social gatherings.
• Examples:
  • Athenian Agora: The most famous Agora, it included the Stoa of Attalos, the Temple of Hephaestus, and other significant buildings.
  • Agora of Corinth: Another important public space with temples, stoas, and shops.

5. Gymnasia

• Purpose: Gymnasia were facilities for physical exercise, education, and socializing. They played a crucial role in Greek education and culture.
• Architecture: Typically included open courtyards, training grounds, and buildings for lectures and philosophical discussions.
• Examples:
  • Gymnasium of Delphi: Located near the sanctuary of Apollo, it included areas for athletic training and intellectual activities.
  • Gymnasium of Olympia: Part of the larger sanctuary complex used by athletes training for the Olympic Games.

6. Stadiums

• Purpose: Stadiums were built for athletic competitions, particularly the Panhellenic Games such as the Olympic Games.
• Architecture: Long, narrow structures with seating on either side of a central track.
• Examples:
  • Stadium at Olympia: The site of the ancient Olympic Games, featuring a track and tiered seating.
  • Stadium of Delphi: Used for the Pythian Games, another of the major athletic festivals in ancient Greece.

7. Bouleuterions

• Purpose: Bouleuterions were council houses where the boule (citizen council) met to discuss and make decisions regarding city governance.
• Architecture: Rectangular or semi-circular buildings with tiered seating and an altar for sacrifices.
• Examples:
  • Bouleuterion of Athens: Located in the Agora, it was the meeting place for the 500-member council.
  • Bouleuterion of Priene: A well-preserved example of a council house in Asia Minor.

8. Sanctuaries

• Purpose: Sanctuaries were sacred sites dedicated to gods and goddesses, often located in natural settings such as groves or mountains.
• Architecture: Included temples, altars, treasuries, and other structures for religious ceremonies and pilgrimages.
• Examples:
  • Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi: One of the most significant religious sites, known for the Oracle of Delphi.
  • Sanctuary of Olympia: Site of the Olympic Games, dedicated to Zeus, featuring temples and athletic facilities.

Ancient Greek structures showcase the ingenuity and aesthetic sensibilities of Greek architecture, blending functionality with artistic expression and reflecting the cultural and religious values of their society.

• Greek Architecture
• Greek Revival Architecture
• Greek Columns
• Greek Gardens
• Greek Hippodrome
• Greek Interiors
• Greek Roofs
• Greek Stadium
• Greek Temples
• Greek Tombs
• Greek Treasuries

Greek Treasures

• Boeotian Treasury
• Treasuries at Olympia
• Treasury of Atreus
• Treasury of the Acanthians
• Treasury of the Massaliots