WESTERN CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE

WESTERN CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is the art and science of making or designing physical structures like buildings, houses, bridges, and other artificial constructions. Even in the prehistoric times, early humans created their own distinct dwellings. It developed over time. Each era showed significant architectural developments and have become more and more complex. 

4. Tumulus- an artificial mound or earth or stone, especially over an ancient grave.                                                            5. Cairn/Carn- a heap of stones piled up as a monument, tombstone or landmark

Menhir- a prehistoric monument consisting of an upright megalith, usually standing alone, but sometimes aligned with others.

Dolmen- remains consisting of two or more large upright stones supporting a horizontal stone slab, usually regarded as altar or tomb.

Cromlech- a circular arrangement of megalith enclosing a dolmen or burial mound

TUMULUS an artificial mound or earth or stone, especially over an ancient grave. 

CAIRN/CARN a heap of stones piled up as a monument, tombstone or landmark.

The best preserved megalith is the Stonehenge. 

● Located at the southern part of Salisbury Plains, West of Avebury

● The focal point of the densest concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age

● Had undergone 4 periods of building and use

● Used from c.3000 BC until after 1100 BC

STONEHENGE is one of the most renowned architectural works. It was doubtlessly well-known across much of the ancient world as well. After the original builders vanished, new inhabitants picked up on construction as if they instinctively knew what to do.

ANCIENT EGYPT ARCHITECTURE

• The ancient Greek architecture reflected the two fundamental characteristics of Egyptian culture: the belief that life of earth was merely a brief interlude compared with the eternal afterlife, and the fact that Egypt was a theocracy, whose king (Pharaoh) was worshipped as a God, with absolute powers.

• Egyptian architectural designs were monumental but not architecturally complex: they used post and lintels, not arches.

Famous Egyptian Pyramids and other Structures

The Great Pyramid of Giza (built c.2540-2560 BCE) (Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu)

Built as a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu, it is the largest of the three Pyramids at the Giza necropolis, and the oldest and best preserved of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. For more than 3800 years, it was the tallest manmade structure in the world. 

The Great Sphinx of Giza, commonly referred to as the Sphinx of Giza or just the Sphinx, is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature. Facing directly from West to East, it stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt. The face of the Sphinx is generally believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre.

Pyramid of Djozer (built c. 2630 BCE) Designed by Imhotep, one of the greatest architects of ancient Egypt, this is believed to be the earliest pyramid and the world’s oldest structure made from dressed masonry

Temple of Seti Iflickr/Argenberg

The Temple of Seti I is the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Seti I on the west bank of the Nile in Abydos. The ancient temple was constructed towards the end of the reign of Seti, and may have been completed by his son Ramesses the Great after his death in 1279 BC. The temple contains the Abydos King List. It is a chronological list of many dynastic pharaohs of Egypt from Menes, the Egyptian king credited with founding the First dynasty, until Ramesses I, Seti’s father.

• Greek architecture is not only well known for its temples, but also for the openair theaters (amphitheaters) and the agora or the open public market square.

• The Greek developed three architectural styles, called orders, each with their own distinctive proportions and detailing. The Greek orders are: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian.

The Doric Style

It is rather sturdy and its top (the capital) is plain. This style was used in mainland Greece and the colonies in southern Italy and Sicily.

Example: The Parthenon Iktinos and Kallikrates, the Parthenon, 447-432BCE, Athens

The Ionic Style

It is thinner and more elegant. Its capital is decorated with a scroll-like design (a volute). This style was found in eastern Greece and the islands.

Example: Erechteum North Porch of the Erechteion,421-407 BCE, marble, Acropolis,Athens

The Corinthian Style

It is seldom used in the Greek world, but often seen on Roman temples. Its capital is very elaborate and decorated with acanthus leaves.

Example: Temple E, Corinth, Greece Temple E, Corinth, Greece

THE COLOSSEUM 

• This famous amphitheatre was the largest of its time and the most popular ancient Roman monument.

• The construction of this Colosseum began during the reign of Emperor Vespasian in 72 A.D. by the time it was finished by his son Titus in 80 A.D., a never-before seen amphitheatre with a seating capacity of over 50,000 people. It is said that its opening ceremony—the grandest of all spectacles—lasted for about 100 days. In that time, about 5,000 animals and 2,000 gladiators fought to their deaths in an unprecedented extravaganza of gladiatorial and bestiaries battles.

It is arguably the most well-preserved architectural marvel from the ancient Roman era. It is the temple for all the Roman gods. The construction of this temple was completed in 125 AD during the rule of Hadrian. The sheer size and scale of this dome is a lasting testimony to the skills of ancient Roman architects and engineers. 

Byzantine Architecture

• The Byzantine architects were eclectic, i.e., they drew architectural elements from various sources, at first drawing heavily on Roman temple features.

• Their combination of the basilica and other religious structure resulted in the characteristic Byzantine-Greek cross-plan church, with a square central mass and four arms of equal length.

• The most distinctive is the domed roof. Byzantine structures featured soaring spaces and sumptuous decoration. 

CHURCH OF SAINT CATHERINE

It is in the old town of Thessaloniki, Greece. It is one of the most beautifully preserved Byzantine churches even though it served as a mosque for much of its existence.

Hagia Irene or Hagia Eirene

One of the earliest churches built in the Byzantine capital. It was commissioned by Constantinople’s founder, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.

Romanesques Architecture

• The First Romanesque style developed in the Catalan territory and demonstrated a lower level of expertise than the later style.

• The first style is characterized by thick walls, lack of sculpture, and the presence of rhythmic ornamental churches, employed rubble walls, smaller windows, and unvaulted roofs.

• The later Romanesques style is distinguished by a mkore refined style and increased use of the vault and dressed stones.

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll, is a Benedictine monastery built in the First Romanesque style, located in the town of Ripoll in Catalonia, Spain. 

Gothic Architecture

• It is a European style of architecture that values height and exhibits an intricate and delicate aesthetic. Though its roots are French, the Gothic approach can be found in churches, cathedrals, and other similar buildings in Europe and beyond.

• The Gothic style evolved from Romanesque architecture, a medieval ceilings, and small stained glass windows. It adopted and adapted Romanesque elements to produce a new style of building that featured exaggerated arches, increased vaulting, and enlarged windows.

Leon Cathedral (Photo: Adrian Farwell, via Wikimedia Commons.