Classical Architecture The Art of Greece and Rome

1
Classical ArchitectureThe Art of Greece and Rome
2
Greece

• Around 1500 B.C., different groups settled in the
  Aegean Sea
• Greece never became a nation because the tribes
  that formed Greece squabbled and remained
  separate as small city-states
• Greeks were amazing artists though. They valued
  grace, harmony and precision. They are known for
  for their incredibly realistic sculptures.

3
The Parthenon

• The Greeks were also incredible architects.
• The Parthenon, which we saw during the Olympics,
  is thought to be the most perfect building ever
  created.

4
Classical ArchitectureClassicism - The
architectural style that has shaped Western
architecture ever since ancient Greece.
Characterized by architectural elements such as
columns and orders.
These are the basic parts of a Greek or Roman
building Cornice Pediment Frieze Columns
FAÇADE The front view of a building
5
The Column

• The design at the top of a column is called the
  capital
• Capital design has helped art historians and
  scholars figure out when Greek and Roman
  buildings were built.
• There are three main orders or capital styles
• Doric, Ionic Corinthian

6
Roman Architecture

• Because the Greek city-states were unable to band
  together, they were helpless to outside attacks.
• In 197 B.C., Greece fell to the Romans

The Pantheon
Triumphal Arch
7
Roman Architecture

• The Romans were very practical people and were
  more interested in law, government and
  engineering than art.
• They were clever architects and city planners and
  we still benefit from their contributions.

• Concrete The Romans figured out how to make
  concrete which is a mixture of sand, minerals and
  small pebbles.

8
The Round Arch

• The Romans invented the round arch
• A curved arrangement of stones over an open
  space. This opened up many new building
  possibilities.
• Concrete enabled the Romans to build grand
  structures with arches and rotundas.

What kind of architectural form is this?
9

• Architectural Vocabulary
• Arch - A curved structure used as a support over
  an open space
• Capital - The decoration at the top of a column
• Column - A slender, upright structure, usually
  supporting member a part of a building.
• Cornice A decorative architectural projection
  or edge
• Corinthian column - In classical architecture,
  the last capital order designed after the
  Egyptian columns and inspired by palm trees.
• Frieze - A band with designs or carvings along a
  wall or above doorways and windows.
• Pediment - A low triangular gable above a
  cornice, topped by raking cornices and
  ornamented.. Used over doors, windows or porches.
  
• Portico - A large porch usually with a pediment
  roof supported by classical columns or pillars
• Classicism - The architectural style that has
  shaped Western architecture ever since ancient
  Greece. Characterized by architectural elements
  such as columns and orders. It is a language that
  has continually reinvented itself.

10
Examples of Major Roman Architectural Structures

• The Triumphal Arch

11
The Aqueduct

• A network of channels used to carry water
  distances, to cities

12
The Temple

• Greek temples were used to house their gods.
  Roman temples, like the Pantheon, were built by
  people for prayer.

13
The Amphitheater

• A circular structure characterized by rising
  tiers of stone seats contained within an arched
  stone outer wall that was used by Romans for
  circus performances and gladiatorial contest.