Greco-Roman Architecture

Ancient Greece may have spawned the beginning of sculpture and architecture, not only in ancient times, but also until present day.

Until the 7th century, Greece was without architecture. Since the pre 7th century Greek buildings were made mostly of wood or mud-brick, there is nothing remaining of them and there was little in written record about them.

But in a more modern Greece, buildings such as the Parthenon and the Coliseum, still partially remain, giving us beautiful architecture in which to study.

Most Greco-Roman architecture either rectangle or square in shape and made from limestone, which is found in abundance in Greece. Though many people think Marble was used in the building of the Greco-Roman architecture, the cost and unavailability of it directed its use for mostly sculptural decoration, except for the Parthenon.

Greco-Roman architecture is abundant in columns and size. Most people don’t realize that there are two types of Greco-Roman architecture, the Doric and Ionic.

While the famous Parthenon and the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens are Doric, the Erechtheum, which is located right next to the Parthenon is Ionic. Ionic Greco-Roman architecture is more decorative.

The most surviving buildings of Roman-Greco Architecture lean towards the temples. This is mainly due to the building material used. Limestone though, after years, can begin to waste away and decompose with natural erosion.

A building like the temples and the Parthenon were revered as the grandest buildings, therefore marble, which was difficult to transport from the few islands where it could be found, was used.