Ancient temple. Elements of ancient architecture

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Ancient Greek architecture is one of the peaks of the artistic heritage of the distant past. She laid the foundation for European architecture and building art. The main feature is that the ancient architecture of Greece had a religious connotation and was created for sacrifices to the gods, offering gifts to them and holding mass events on this occasion.

The history of the building art of ancient civilization is divided by historians into five periods: archaic, early classical, classical, Hellenistic and Roman rule. Next, we will talk about each of them, as well as the most famous temples built by the ancient Greeks, in more detail.

Archaic period

Duration of the archaic period: from the 7th c. BC e. until the time of the Athenian legislator and politician Solon (about 590 BC). In the 7th-6th centuries. BC e. Greek architecture reflected the most advanced aspects of society. As a result of the development of the Greek polis, the growth of democratic forces accelerated, and this led toto the tense struggle of the people against the top of the aristocrats. During this period, the temple, which was built by the entire policy, became the main public building - the repository of the treasury and treasures and folk celebrations at the same time. As a result of persistent searches, the main elements of ancient architecture were formed - an order (a strict system that reflects the location and relationship of columns) and an entablature (overlapping).

Features of the temples of the archaic period

In the archaic period, an early type of stone structure, the so-called "temple in antah", grew out of the primitive buildings of the Homeric era. On the front side it has a portico formed by protrusions of the side walls (ants) and two columns standing in the middle. These include, in particular, the Athenian Treasury at Delphi (pictured above), built from Parisian marble. The approximate date of construction is 510-480. BC e. The building was excavated and reconstructed in 1903-1906

Further there was a replacement of ants by columns, and a new ancient temple arose - prostyle. It had an open portico. The further addition of four more columns on the opposite side, near the entrance to the treasury (amphiprostyle), was the first step towards building the so-called peripetra - a temple completely open on all sides. And although all these types developed simultaneously, the latter nevertheless became dominant.

Each building had a main room - the sanctuary of an ancient temple (altar), where a sculptural image of a revered god or goddess was located. It was called "naos".

Early Classic period

In the early classical period, which lasted from 590 to 470. BC e., ancient architecture gradually frees itself from foreign tendencies brought from Egypt and Asia. Like painting and sculpture, it became one of the most striking manifestations of the humanity and democracy of the culture of classical Greece.

In the proportions of the temples built in this period, there is a strict order and proportionality in the scale and number of columns, as well as other parts of the building. All this gives the architecture of the early classical period strength and beauty. A new type of temple was formed - Doric, which later became widespread.

Ancient temples of Greece of the early classical period: Hera in Olympia, Apollo in Delphi, Zeus in Athens, Pallas Athena on about. Aegina (photo above). It is noteworthy that in Sicily and Young Italy there are much more architectural monuments of these times, then the richest Greek colonies were located there. Particularly the Temple of Poseidon at Paestum. Do not forget about one of the seven wonders of the world - the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, which was burned by Herostratus.

Temple of Poseidon at Paestum

This monument of ancient Greek architecture is also known to contemporaries as the II Temple of Hera. Perhaps it can be considered the most powerful and austere building in the Doric style, dating back to 5 BC. e. In its harsh and simple appearance, it reflected the ideas of the heroic struggle of the people for independence from the invading Persians. BeforeToday, a part of the upper columns, internal two-tiered colonnades and external ones, towering on a solid foundation, have been preserved. Like the older temples of the area (the former Posidonia), it is built from very hard crystalline shell rock. From above, it was treated with a thin layer of plaster. The principle of regularity is observed in architecture. The building has impressive dimensions: 60 m long and 24 m wide.

II Temple of Hera is located in Italy (40 km southeast of Salerno). Now it is open to tourists. Entrance to it costs 4 or 6 euros (includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Paestum).

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

The temple was recognized as one of the seven wonders that existed in the ancient world. It is located on the territory of the modern city of Selcuk (Turkey). The structure has a complex and tragic history.

The first and largest building on this site was erected in the middle of the 6th century. BC e., and in 356 Herostratus burned it. Soon the ancient temple was restored in its former appearance, but in the third century it was damaged again, this time by the Goths. In the 4th c. the sanctuary was first closed and then destroyed in connection with the professing of a new religion - Christianity and the prohibition of pagan customs and cults. The church built in its place, however, also did not stand for long.

According to mythology, Artemis was Apollo's twin sister. She took care of all life on earth (animals, plants), took care of them and protected them. She did not deprive people of her attention, giving happiness in marriage and blessing for birth.offspring. The cult of the goddess in Ephesus has existed since time immemorial. In honor of her, the townspeople built a huge temple (length 105 m, width 52 m, height of 127 columns installed in eight rows, equal to 18 m). Funds for it were donated by the Lydian king. Construction was carried out for quite a long time, and during this time several architects were replaced. The temple was built of snow-white marble, and the statue of the goddess was made of ivory and gold. It was the business and financial center of the city, and religious ceremonies were also held there. This ancient temple did not belong to the city authorities and was completely under the control of the college of priests. Currently, only one restored column can be seen on the site of the temple. In Miniaturk Park (Turkey) you can look at the model of the temple (pictured above).

Classic period in architecture

The Classic period, which lasted from 470 to 388. BC e. - this is the heyday of the state, the era of higher democracy and upsurge. The best masters of all Greece flock to Athens. The paths of development of architecture are inextricably linked with the name of the greatest sculptor of the ancient world - Phidias. The outstanding politician and figure Pericles outlined a large-scale and grandiose plan for the development of the Acropolis. It was under the leadership of Phidias that during the second half of the 5th century BC. e. one of the most grandiose construction projects was going on, upon completion of which a perfect architectural ensemble appeared, headed by the Parthenon. The Acropolis of Athens was richly decorated with sculptures by the master and his students.

In general, the architecture of the classical period continues to be dominated by the Doric type of temples. However, he becomeslighter in form and bolder in terms of composition. Gradually, the Ionic style and Corinthian are introduced into everyday life. In Greece itself, temples become noble, elegant and light. Particular attention is paid to proportions and material. Architects use white marble, which is easier to fine work. One of the most remarkable architectural monuments of those times is the Temple of Theseus, located in Athens. This is a prime example of how the Doric style was toned down in Attica.

At the same time, the Doric style continues to dominate Sicily, striking with the colossal structures.

Parthenon

The Acropolis of Athens is a rocky hill 156 m high with a gentle top, about 300 m long and 170 m wide. It is here that the main monument of ancient architecture rises - the magnificent Parthenon. The temple is dedicated to the patroness of all Attica and Athens, in particular the goddess Athena the virgin. It was erected in 447-438. by the architect Kallikrates according to the project created by the ancient Greek architect Iktin, and richly decorated under the guidance of the sculptor Phidias. Now the temple is in ruins, restoration work is being actively carried out.

The Parthenon is an ancient temple, which is a Doric perimeter with elements of the Ionic style. It is located on three marble steps, having a height of about 1.5 m. From all sides, the temple is surrounded by a colonnade: 8 columns on the facades of the building and 17 on each side.

The material from which the sanctuary was built is Pentilian marble. The masonry was dry, i.e.carried out without the use of bonding mortar or cement.

Temple of Zeus at Olympia

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was one of the most revered in Ancient Greece. This building, which is a true example of the Doric order, also belongs to the classical period. The temple was founded during the 52nd Olympiad, but construction was completed only between 472-456. BC e. all the same Phidias.

It was a classic peripter with 13 columns along the building and 6 along its width. The temple was built from limestone-shell rock, delivered from Poros. The height of the building reached 22 m, width - 27 m, and length - 64 m. Information about the appearance became available thanks to excavations in 1875, conducted under the guidance of the German archaeologist E. Curtius. Another of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located inside the temple - this is the chrysoelephantine statue of Zeus created by Phidias, the height of which exceeded 10 m.

The Temple of Zeus, along with many others in Olympia, was destroyed at the behest of Emperor Theodosius II, as evidence of pagan faith and tradition. The surviving remains were finally buried under the rubble during the earthquake of 522 and 551 BC. e. Fragments of the temple found as a result of excavations are stored mainly in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, a few - in the Paris Louvre.

Temple of the God of Fire Hephaestus

The ancient temple of the classical period, dedicated to Hephaestus, has been preserved in the best way compared to the rest. It was supposedly erected duringbetween 449 and 415 BC e. The sanctuary is a building of the Doric order. Information about the architect has not been preserved, probably it was the same architect who was engaged in the construction of the temple of Ares on the Agora at Cape Sounion, and Nemesis in Rhamnunt.

The building was not destroyed during the formation of Christianity. Moreover, the temple was used as an Orthodox church. St. George from the 17th century to 1834. Then he was given the status of a national monument.

Hellenistic period

In the period from 338 to 180 years. BC e. Greek architecture begins to lose its characteristic purity of taste. She is under the influence of sensuality and pomp, which penetrated Hellas from the East. Sculptors, painters and architects are more concerned about the showiness of the building, its splendor. One can feel everywhere and everywhere a predilection for the Corinthian style. Buildings of a civil nature are being erected - theaters, palaces, etc.

The famous Greek temples of the Hellenistic period are dedicated to Winged Athena (in Tegea), Zeus (in Nemea). Many grandiose and luxurious buildings appear during this period in Asia Minor. In particular, the huge temple of F. Didyma in Miletus (pictured above).

Roman Empire Period

The creation of the empire of A. Macedon put an end to the period of the classics and Greek democracy. During the Hellenistic period, Greek art passed its last phase of development. Once under the rule of Rome, Greece lost its former greatness, and architectural activity was almost completely stopped. However, the artists who gathered in the eternal city broughttraditions of their art and contributed to the ennoblement of Roman architecture. During this period (180-90 BC), Greek art almost merges with Roman art.