Greek architecture 

The statue of the goddess Athena Parthenos resides in the Parthenon, where the only source of light comes from the great bronze doors of the temple. The fluted Doric columns that surround the two interior chambers rise to 34 feet (10.4 meters) high. These columns are designed with a slight curve, known as “entasis,” which creates the illusion of perfectly straight lines when viewed from a distance.

 

The Parthenon also features acroteria—blocks used to support statuary above the pediment—and antefixae, which are placed at regular intervals to cover the ends of the roof tiles. The frieze displays a pattern of triglyphs alternating with relief sculptures. Inside, two internal colonnades of two-tiered columns support the roof, enhancing the grandeur and structural integrity of this iconic temple.

Originally constructed as a temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, this structure exemplifies the Doric style at the onset of the golden age of ancient Greek architecture. It is here that the monumental statue of the temple’s divinity stood. The design is simple and geometrically satisfying, built from local limestone, marble, and terracotta, which contribute to its harmonious proportions.

 

Notably, all but three of the outer columns were carved from a single block of stone, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of ancient Greek builders. This attention to detail and the use of local materials reflect the temple’s integration with its environment, enhancing its cultural and architectural significance.

The Temple of Artemis was fronted by an impressive portico featuring eight Ionic columns, which were more widely spaced toward the center. The central span of the building measured over 260 feet, making it expansive for a Greek temple. Many of the column bases were richly carved, and the entire structure was elevated on a prominent base, enhancing its grandeur.

 

In many ways, the Temple of Artemis served as a prototype—if not in exact form, then in spirit—for the grandiose Roman temples that would emerge two or three hundred years later. Its innovative design and architectural significance laid the groundwork for future temple constructions, influencing the development of monumental architecture in the ancient world.

The Choragic Monument, commonly referred to as the “Lantern of Diogenes,” is a small marble rotunda constructed to commemorate the victory of the Chorus of Lysicrates in a Dionysiac music contest in 335 BCE. This elegant monument features six half Corinthian columns and is set upon a circular base with three steps, enhancing its prominence.

 

The colonnade supports three bands of intricately decorated friezes that depict scenes from the life of the Greek god Dionysus, celebrating the themes of music and performance that were central to the competition. The combination of architectural elements and artistic detailing makes the Choragic Monument a significant example of Classical Greek architecture, reflecting the cultural importance of the arts in ancient Greece.