Architecture of Ancient Greece

The architecture of Ancient Greece developed in three stages. The period from about 600 to 480 BC. E. It was marked by a reflection of the invasion of the Persians. After the liberation of their land, the Greeks began to freely create again. This period was called "archaic".

Its flourishing architecture of Ancient Greece experienced from 480 to 323 years BC. E. During this period, Alexander the Great conquered huge territories that differed significantly in their cultures. This had a devastating effect on classical Greek art.

The late period - Hellenism - ended in 30 BC. E. The Romans at that time conquered ancient Egypt, which was under the influence of Greece.

By the period of archaism are the ruins of temples. These ancient buildings were one of the greatest achievements of architecture. At that time white marble and limestone came to replace the tree. Presumably, the prototype of the ancient temples was the home of the Greeks. It looked like a rectangular structure, before the entrance of which were installed two columns. This rather simple structure marked the beginning of more complex buildings.

As a rule, the temple was installed on a stepped base. In the construction there were no windows, inside it were a statue of a deity. The building was surrounded by columns in two or one row. They served as a support for the gable roof and beams in the ceiling. The inner room was allowed to visit only the priests. The rest of the people saw the temple outside. The construction of the temple was subject to certain laws, exact proportions, sizes, number of columns were applied.

The architecture of Ancient Greece was characterized by three directions: Corinthian, Ionic, Doric.

The latter was formed in the era of archaism. Thus, the Doric style was the oldest. He was distinguished by a combination of power and simplicity. The name of the style came from the Doric peoples who created it.

Ionic style was formed in Asia Minor, in its Ionian region. From there it was adopted by Ancient Greece. The architecture of this style was notable for the harmony and elegance of the columns. The middle part in the capitals looked like a pillow with corners twisted into a spiral.

During the Hellenistic period, the architecture of Ancient Greece was characterized by a desire for splendor, some majesty. At that time Corinthian capitals (crowning parts of columns) were most often used. In their decoration, plant motifs predominate, mainly with the depiction of acanthus leaves.

In the 5th century BC. E. Ancient Greek architecture experienced its heyday. A great influence on the formation of art in this classical period was the famous statesman Pericles. His reign was marked by the beginning of large-scale construction in Athens, the largest art and cultural center of ancient Greece. The main work was carried out in the Acropolis - on an ancient hill.

The Greeks were able in their architecture to bring to perfection the unity of the constructive and artistic content of the buildings.

It should be noted that in the 5th century BC. E. Its flourishing experienced both architecture and sculpture of Ancient Greece. During this period, the greatest historical monuments were created. However, to this day preserved and early works of Greek sculptors.

In the 7th-6th centuries BC. E. Statues are characterized by amazing symmetry - one part of the body mirrors the other. The sculptures were in stiff positions - arms stretched to the muscular body. Despite the absence of any sign of movement (turning the head or tilt), the lips of the statue were opened in a slight smile. The sculptural art of later periods is distinguished by a great variety of forms.

In the 1st century BC. E as a result of the active expansion of the Roman Empire, Greek architecture adopts more traits of conquerors, losing its own.