The Three Greek Orders

The civilization of Ancient Greece excelled in disciplines such as philosophy, the theater, mathematics or architecture. In all these areas they created new systems and in architecture the term order is used to refer to the style of each era.

The Greeks built stadiums for sports competitions, theaters to represent comedies and tragedies, and temples to worship their gods. In the building of the temples three systems or orders were used: the Ionic, the Doric and the Corinthian.

Doric order

It is the oldest of the three and its origins date back to the Vll century BC. C. Its name refers to the Dorian people, who were the first to incorporate this style architectural. It is characterized by its sobriety and simplicity, as well as the idea of ​​harmony.

The characteristic element of the Doric temple is the column. This is formed with three structures: a base, a shaft and a capital. In a strict sense, the base is non-existent, since the shaft rests directly on the last step that gives access to the temple enclosure (this step is known by the term stylobate and in turn rests on lower steps or stereobatics).

The shaft of the column is circular and has grooves with concave shapes and, on the other hand, its size progressively decreases from the lower to the upper part.

The Doric capital has three parts:

1) the abacus is a rectangular shape on which the horizontal structure of the temple rests,

2) below the abacus is the equine, which has a convex shape and

3) the extension of the shaft is the collar, also known as the talus.

Ionic order

(It can be seen in the image) It produces an impression of elegance and, at the same time, of fragility and decorative richness. The edification more characteristic is found on the island of Ephesus, specifically in the temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It should be noted that the Ionic order is later than the Doric, since it appeared in the Vl century BC. C.

The column of this order has a base that rests on a type of step, the stylobate. The shaft rests on this base, which is circular in shape and is normally wider at the bottom than at the top. The shaft has a series of grooves or grooves.

The capital is formed by two rounded volutes and above them is the abacus. Obviously, the entire structure of the column serves to maintain the weight of the cornice and pediment of the temple.

Corinthian order

This order classic It is one of the most used and stands out for the beauty of its capital. Its origin dates back to the 5th century BC. C in full classical period and, like the other orders, its main characteristic is found in the column.

The column stands out for its decoration, as forms similar to two rows of acanthus leaves superimposed on its lower part and a curved abacus on its upper part are used. The shaft of the column is finer than in the Ionic order and presents grooves with angles.

Photos: Fotolia - andyvi / anton_lunkov

Themes in The Three Greek Orders