Ancient Greek architecture is one of the peaks of the artistic heritage of the distant past. She laid the foundation for European architecture, building art. The main feature is that the ancient architecture of Greece had a religious connotation and was created for sacrificing to the gods, offering them gifts and holding mass events on this occasion.
The history of the building art of ancient civilization is divided by historians into five periods: archaic, early classical, classical, Hellenism and Roman rule. Next, we will talk about each of them, as well as about the most famous temples built by the ancient Greeks, in more detail.
Archaic period
Duration of the archaic period: from the 7th century BC e. until the days of the Athenian legislator and the politician Solon (about 590 BC). In the 7-6 centuries. BC e. Greek architecture reflected the most advanced aspects of society. As a result of the development of the Greek polis, the growth of democratic forces accelerated, and this led to a tense struggle of the people against the top of the aristocracy. During this period, the temple, which was erected by the entire policy, became the main public building - the repository of treasury and treasures and public celebrations at the same time. As a result of persistent searches, the main elements of ancient architecture were formed - an order (a strict system that reflects the location and relationship of columns) and entablature (overlap).
Features of temples of the archaic period
In the archaic period, from the primitive buildings of the Homer era, an early type of stone structure grew, the so-called "temple in antes." On the front side, it has a portico formed by protrusions of the side walls (antami) and two columns standing in the middle. Among these, in particular, is the Athenian Treasury in Delphi (pictured above), built from Parisian marble. Estimated date of construction - 510-480 years. BC e. The building was excavated and reconstructed in 1903-1906.
Then there was a replacement of the Ants with columns, and a new antique temple arose - prostil. He had an open portico. The further addition of four columns on the opposite side, near the entrance to the treasury (amphiprostyle), was the first step towards the construction of the so-called periphery - completely open from all sides of the temple. And although all these types developed simultaneously, the latter nevertheless became dominant.
In each building there was a main room - the sanctuary of the ancient temple (altar), where the sculptural image of the revered god or goddess was located. It was called naos.
Early classic period
In the early classical period, which lasted from 590 to 470 years. BC e., ancient architecture is gradually freeing itself from foreign trends brought from Egypt and Asia. Like painting and sculpture, it has become one of the most striking manifestations of the humanity and democracy of the culture of classical Greece.
In the proportions of the temples built during this period, there is a strict orderliness and proportionality of the scale and number of columns, as well as other parts of the building. All this gives the architecture of the early classical period strength and beauty. A new type of temple was formed - Doric, which later became widespread.
Antique temples of Greece of the early classical period: Hera at Olympia, Apollo at Delphi, Zeus at Athens, Athens Pallas on about. Aegina (photo above). It is noteworthy that in Sicily and Young Italy there are much more architectural monuments of these times, then the richest Greek colonies were located there. In particular, the Temple of Poseidon in Paestum. Do not forget about one of the seven wonders of the world - the temple of Artemis at Ephesus, which was burned by Herostratus.
Temple of Poseidon at Paestum
This monument of ancient Greek architecture is known to contemporaries also under the name II Temple of Hera. Perhaps it can be considered the most powerful and rigorous building in the Doric style, dating back to 5 BC. e. In his austere and simple appearance, he reflected the ideas of the heroic struggle of the people for independence from the invading Persians. To this day, a part of the upper columns, internal two-tier colonnades and external, towering on a solid foundation, has been preserved. Like the older temples of the area (formerly Poseidonia), it is built from a very hard crystalline shell rock. On top, it was treated with a thin layer of plaster. In architecture, the principle of regularity is observed. The building has impressive dimensions: 60 m in length and 24 m in width.
Hera II Temple is located in Italy (40 km southeast of Salerno). Now it is open for tourists. Entrance to it costs 4 or 6 euros (includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Paestum).
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The temple was recognized as one of the seven miracles that existed in the ancient world. It is located in the modern city of Selcuk (Turkey). The construction has a complex and tragic history.
The first and largest building on this site was erected in the middle of the 6th century. BC e., and in 356 Herostratus burned it. Soon, the ancient temple was restored to its former appearance, but in the third century it was again damaged, this time by the Goths. In the 4th century the sanctuary was first closed and then destroyed in connection with the confession of a new religion - Christianity and the prohibition of pagan customs and cults. The church built in its place, however, also did not stand for long.
According to mythology, Artemis was Apollo's twin sister. She took care of everything living on earth (animals, plants), took care of them and protected them. She did not deprive her of her attention of people, giving happiness in marriage and blessing the birth of offspring. The cult of the goddess at Ephesus has existed since time immemorial. In honor of her, the townspeople built a huge temple (length 105 m, width 52 m, height 127 columns installed in eight rows, equal to 18 m). The funds donated to him by the Lydian king. The construction took quite a while, and during this time several architects changed. The temple was built of snow-white marble, and the statue of the goddess of ivory and gold. It was the business and financial center of the city, religious ceremonies were also held there. This ancient temple did not belong to the city government and was completely under the control of the college of priests. Currently, only one reconstructed column can be seen on the site of the temple. In the Miniaturk park (Turkey), you can see the model of the temple (pictured above).
Classical period in architecture
The classic period, which lasted from 470 to 388 years. BC e. - This is the heyday of the state, the era of higher democracy and recovery. The best masters of all Greece flock to Athens. The development paths of architecture are inextricably linked with the name of the greatest sculptor of the ancient world - Phidias. An outstanding politician and figure Pericles outlined a large-scale and grandiose plan for the development of the Acropolis. It was under the leadership of Phidias during the second half of the 5th century BC. e. was one of the most ambitious construction projects, at the end of which a perfect architectural ensemble appeared, led by the Parthenon. The Acropolis of Athens was richly decorated with sculptures of the master and his students.
In general, the Doric type of temples continues to prevail in the architecture of the classical period. However, it becomes lighter in form and bolder in composition. Gradually, the ionic and Corinthian style is being introduced into everyday life. In Greece itself, temples become noble, elegant and light. Particular attention is paid to proportions and material. The architects use white marble that is easier to fine work. One of the most remarkable architectural monuments of those times is Theseus Temple, located in Athens. This is a prime example of how the Doric style was softened in Attica.
At the same time, Doric style continues to dominate in Sicily, striking the colossal structure.
Parthenon
The Acropolis of Athens is a rocky hill 156 m high with a shallow peak, having a length of about 300 m and a width of 170 m. It is here that the main monument of ancient architecture rises - the magnificent Parthenon. The temple is dedicated to the patroness of all Attica and Athens, in particular the goddess Athena, a virgin. It was erected in 447-438. architect Kallikrath on a project created by the ancient Greek architect Iktinus, and is richly decorated under the direction of the sculptor Phidias. Now the temple is in ruins, restoration work is actively ongoing.
The Parthenon is an ancient temple, representing a Doric periphery with elements of the Ionic style. It is located on three marble steps with a height of about 1.5 m. On all sides the temple is surrounded by a colonnade: 8 columns on the facades of the building and 17 on each side.
The material from which the sanctuary was built is Pentilean marble. The masonry was dry, that is, it was carried out without the use of a bonding mortar or cement.
Temple of Zeus at Olympia
Temple of Olympian Zeus was one of the most revered in ancient Greece. This building, which is a true example of a Doric order, also belongs to the classical period. The temple was laid during the 52 Olympics, but construction was completed only between 472-456. BC e. all the same Phidias.
He was a classic peripter with 13 columns along the building and 6 in its width. The temple was built from limestone-shell rock, delivered from Poros. The height of the structure reached 22 m, width - 27 m, and length - 64 m. Information about the appearance of the steel was available thanks to the excavations of 1875, conducted under the direction of the German archaeologist E. Kurtius. Inside the temple, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located - this is the chrysoelephantine statue of Zeus created by Phidius, whose height exceeded 10 m.
The temple of Zeus, along with many others in Olympia, was destroyed at the behest of Emperor Theodosius II, as evidence of pagan faith and tradition. The surviving remains were finally buried under the debris during the earthquake of 522 and 551 BC. e. Fragments of the temple found as a result of excavations are stored mainly in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, several in the Paris Louvre.
Temple of the God of Fire Hephaestus
The ancient temple of the classical period, dedicated to Hephaestus, has been preserved in comparison with the rest in the best way. It was supposedly erected between 449 and 415. BC e. The sanctuary is the construction of a Doric order. Information about the architect was not preserved, probably it was the same architect who was involved in the construction of the Temple of Ares on the Agora at Cape Sounion, and Nemesis in Rammount.
The building was not destroyed during the formation of Christianity. Moreover, the temple was used as an Orthodox church. St. George from the 17th century to 1834. Then he was given the status of a national monument.
Hellenistic period
In the period from 338 to 180 years. BC e. Greek architecture begins to lose its characteristic purity of taste. She is influenced by sensuality and pomp, penetrated into Hellas from the East. Sculptors, artists and architects care more about the spectacularness of the building, its splendor. Feeling everywhere and everywhere addiction to the Corinthian style. Civil buildings are being erected - theaters, palaces, etc.
Famous Greek temples of the Hellenistic period are dedicated to Winged Athena (in Tegea), Zeus (in Nemea). Many grandiose and magnificent buildings appear during this period in Asia Minor. In particular, the huge temple of F. Didimsky in Miletus (pictured above).
Period of the roman empire
The creation of the empire of A. the Great put an end to the period of classics and Greek democracy. During the Hellenistic period, Greek art went through its last phase of development. Having fallen under the rule of Rome, Greece lost its former greatness, and architectural activity was almost completely ceased. However, artists who came to the eternal city brought the traditions of their art and contributed to the refinement of Roman architecture. During this period (180-90 BC), Greek art almost merges with Roman.