Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Towards the tail end of the classical period, the Corinthian column was in limited
vogue. Featuring a single or double row of ornate leafy scrolls (usually the very sculptur-
al acanthus), the order was subsequently adopted by the Romans and used only on Cor-
inthian temples in Athens. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, completed during Emperor
Hadrian's reign, is a grand, imposing structure. Another temple design, the graceful, cir-
cular temple
tholos
(dome) style, was used for the great Sanctuary of Athena Pronea at
Delphi.
The Greek theatre design is a hallmark of the classical period (an example is the 4th-
century-BC theatre at Epidavros) and had a round stage, radiating a semicircle of steeply
banked stone benches that seated many thousands. Cleverly engineered acoustics meant
every spectator could monitor every syllable uttered on the stage below. Most ancient
Greek theatres are still used for summer festivals, music concerts and plays.
KNOW YOUR DORIC FROM YOUR CORINTHIAN
DorriicThe most simple of the three styles. The shaft (the main part of the column)
is plain and has 20 sides, while the capital (the head) is formed in a simple circle.
Also there's no base. An obvious example of this is the Parthenon.
IIoniicLook out for the ridged flutes carved into the column from top to bottom. The
capital is also distinctive for its scrolls, while the base looks like a stack of rings.
CorriintthiianThe most decorative and popular of all three orders. The column is
ridged, however the distinctive feature is the capital's flowers and leaves, beneath a
small scroll. The base is like that of the Ionic style.
