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The Hellenic people produced ancient Greek architecture which is commonly identified from magnificent temples. The culture prospered throughout the Greek mainland, Aegean islands and some parts of Asia and Italy. Although most temples are in ruins, some have substantively remained intact. The second creation of the Hellenic people is the open theatre which dates back to 350 BC. There are also other architectural forms that still exist including the public square, processional gateway, town council building, stadium and monumental tomb. Ancient Greek architecture is breathtaking with classic features of structure and decorations. The old architecture is quite mesmerizing as the structures enable one to have an image of Hellenic people’s way of life and knowledge. When you view the structures, one gets to understand the knowledge and skills passed down from that generation till then.

Although books are discussing the chronology of Greek temple, Tony Spawforth has come forward with his book explaining the facts about Greek architecture. He highlights that ancient Greek architecture was influenced by religion and not politics. In his book, Spawforth agrees with Rhode’s findings that the architecture was influenced by the Near East. The ancient Greek architecture greatly influenced the modern architecture. For example, the colonnade style whereby a row of columns supports the entablature. This style is emulated in modern buildings like churches. In the United States, Thomas Jefferson also used this style in designing the University of Virginia. The Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States has borrowed the ancient Greek architecture. The New York stock exchange and Low Library at Columbia are examples of this style.

Ancient Greek architecture has a great impact the modern architectural design. The western civilization borrowed ideas and art from the Greeks and invented new items. Renaissance art history is familiar with Greek design in that it was born from the combination of Classical Greek and Roman ideas. It is a fact that the Greeks were talented in skills and ideas which is evident in the magnificent structures from long ago.

Reference

Jones, Mark Wilson. Origins of classical architecture: temples, orders and gifts to the gods in ancient Greece. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Pres, 2014.

Roth, Leland M., Amanda C. Roth Clark. American Architecture: A History. London, UK: Hachette UK, 2016.