Introduction to Humanities: Ancient Greek Architecture and Legacy

This essay provides an introduction to Ancient Greek architecture, focusing on the Doric order as a primary example of architectural form. The paper explores the characteristics of the Doric order, including its construction and design elements, and its historical context within Ancient Greece. It also examines the Parthenon, an example of Doric architecture. Furthermore, the essay draws connections between Ancient Greek architectural styles and contemporary cultural patterns, highlighting the lasting influence of Greek designs. The essay uses examples from the provided text to analyze the forms and provides references to support the arguments.

Running Head: INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES 1
Introduction to Humanities
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INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES 2
Introduction to Humanities
Architects from Greek are famous for providing some of the best and unique buildings in
the Ancient world. A number of structures like temples, theatres and stadia are noticeable
characteristics of cities in Greek (Cartledge and Paul, 2009). The buildings, though simple have
influenced the work of other architects especially in the Roman world and ensured a basement
for classical architectural orders which dominates the western regions of the world today. As
such, the examples of Ancient Greek are the different forms as the paper seeks to discuss one,
stating the origin and context. In addition the paper will explore examples from the book that
help analyses the form and provide a link of contemporary architecture work to help discuss the
influence that ancient Greece continues to have on contemporary cultural patterns
One form of the Ancient Greek Architectural forms is the Doric order. Apparently this
was the earliest style of stone temple in the Ancient Greece. The order took over the wooden
structures and became known in the archaic period dated back around 750-480 BC. The
constructions were complicated thus making Doric order among the Classical Architecture that
was most sophisticated. However still, it has contributed to the beautiful view of European
architecture. The Doric order was plain with cylindrical shapes. At the roof top it had was built
with a flat plain square. Its columns were engraved with vertical lines that ran through the entire
column. Of course, the main reason for the column was to provide support to the weight of the
ceiling and was compulsory in every order. Notably, in the Doric order, the column with shaft
was simple tapered, that is, it is wider at the bottom compared to the top. Regardless of no base
at the columns, the columns supported themselves on the pavement of the temple referred as
stylobate. The top most region of the column was known as the capital, which supported the
ceiling. Capitals in the Doric order have a smooth texture exclusive of decorations and are flared.

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These designs were very basic. This style was commonly built in mainland Greece and
influenced colonies like Italy.
Picture of the Doric order.
Link: https://www.google.com/search?
q=Picture+of+the+doric+order&client=firefox-b-
ab&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=gYbOevsboyUWwM%253A%252C4azM4BE1cd1MpM
%252C_&usg=__FsmE23SS2gY1v3obsyHTCmgYxwo%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjije-
C1_PaAhUBQBQKHXs5ABUQ9QEIPzAL#
Additional literature provide an inn depth of Doric order with its examples, which are the
Parthenon at the Acropolis. Lambrinou (2010) explains, the magnificent temple on the Acropolis
Athens, also termed as the Parthenon was constructed in the age of Pericles, purposeful to
dedicate it to the city of patron deity Athena. According to Wilson and Mark (2014), the temples
was built to keep the statues of the goddess and make the entire nation ware of achievements of
leaders in Athens who led in the war against Persians and armies. The temple has been under use
for thousands of years and still is known for dominating the city of Athens despite damages and
lootings.
Analyzing from the text books during the week, one example that expands an
understanding on Greece Architectural works is The Great Wall, near Beijing, China. This
structure, approximately 4100 miles with an average height of 25` begun late in the third century.

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The Chinese Emperor instructed his army to repair, link and augment the walls so as create a
barrier to and protect the country from its enemies, considering it was still very young. This
occurs at the same time the Rome was focused to establish control over the Mediterranean world.
However, some parts of the wall were earlier constructed, built in the past centuries purposefully
to offer protection in the local regions. The structure was built again and put together to form a
solid wall that stretched from the North Eastern to North Western part of China. Notably, new
roads were constructed to ease in linking up within the country and a different government with
bureaucracy emerged that controlled the revival territories. Since then Chinese nation has
remained unified.
Finally, much of the Architecture work in Ancient Greek has impacted on the modern
world, for instance in Olympics, democracy and fashion. A link of contemporary architecture
work to help discuss the influence that ancient Greece continues to have on contemporary
cultural patterns include; https://owlcation.com/humanities/Greek-Influences-today

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References
Cartledge, P. (2009). Ancient Greece: A history in eleven cities.
Lambrinou, L. (2010). Preserving a monument: the example of the Parthenon. Conservation and
Management of Archaeological Sites, 12(1), 60-74.
Wilson Jones, M. (2014). Origins of classical architecture: temples, orders and gifts to the gods
in ancient Greece. Yale University Press.