An ancient temple. Elements of ancient architecture

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

Historians divide the history of the building art of the ancient civilization into five periods: archaic, early classic, classical, Hellenism and Roman rule. Next, we'll talk about each of them, as well as about the most famous temples built by the ancient Greeks, in more detail.

Archaic period

The duration of the archaic period: from the 7th century. BC. E. Before the times of the Athenian legislator and the policy of Solon (circa 590 BC). In the 7th-6th centuries. BC. E. The architecture of Greece reflected the most advanced aspects of society. As a result of the development of the Greek policy, the growth of democratic forces accelerated, and this led to a tense struggle of the people against the top of the aristocracy. During this period, the temple, which was erected by all polis, became the main public building - a treasury of 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 reflecting the location and relationship of the columns) and an entablature (overlap).

Features of temples of the archaic period

During the archaic period, the early type of stone structure, the so-called "temple in Antah", grew from the primitive structures of the Homer era. On the front side, it has a portico formed by projections of the side walls (antami) and two columns standing in the middle. To such, in particular, the Athenian Treasury in Delphi (pictured above), built of Parisian marble, belongs. Approximate date of erection is 510-480. BC. E. The building was excavated and reconstructed in 1903-1906.

Then there was an exchange of antes in columns, and a new ancient temple arose - prostil. He had an open portico. The further addition of four more columns on the opposite side, near the entrance to the treasury (amphiprostil), was the first step towards the construction, the so-called peripetra - completely open on all sides of the temple. And although all these types developed simultaneously, the latter still became dominant.

In each building there was a main room - the sanctuary of the ancient temple (altar), where there was a sculptural image of the revered god or goddess. It was called Naos.

Early classical period

In the early classical period, which lasted from 590 to 470 gg. BC. E., The ancient architecture gradually frees itself from foreign trends, brought from Egypt and Asia. Like painting and sculpture, it has become one of the most vivid manifestations of the humanity and democratic culture of classical Greece.

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

Antique temples of Greece of the early classical period: Hera in Olympia, Apollo in Delphi, Zeus in Athens, Athens Pallas on. Aegina (photo above). It is noteworthy that in Sicily and Young Italy the monuments of architecture of these times are much larger, then there were the richest Greek colonies. In particular, the Temple of Poseidon in 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 in Paestum

This monument of ancient Greek architecture is known to contemporaries also under the name II Temple of Hera. Perhaps, it can be considered the most powerful and rigorous construction in the Doric style, belonging to the 5 BC. E. In his severe and simple appearance, he reflected the ideas of the heroic struggle of the people for independence from invading Persians. Up to now, a part of the upper columns, internal two-tier colonnades and external columns have been preserved, towering on a solid foundation. Like the more ancient temples of this area (the former Poseidonia), it is built of a very hard crystalline shell rock. From above it was treated with a thin layer of plaster. In architecture, the principle of regularity is observed. The building has impressive dimensions: 60 m in length and 24 m in width.

The second temple of Hera is located in Italy (40 km to the south-east of Salerno). Now it is open for tourists. The 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 miracles that existed in the ancient world. It is located in the territory of the modern city of Selcuk (Turkey). The structure has a complex and tragic history.

The first and most large-scale construction on this site was erected in the middle of the 6th century. BC. E., and in 356 she was burned by Herostratus. Soon the ancient temple was restored in its former shape, but in the third century it was again damaged, this time the Goths. In the 4th century. The sanctuary was first closed and then destroyed in connection with the confession of a new religion - Christianity and the prohibition of pagan customs and cults. The church built in its place, however, also did not last long.

According to mythology, Artemis was Apollo's twin sister. She took care of all living things on earth (animals, plants), guarded them and protected them. She did not deprive her attention of people, granting happiness in marriage and blessing for the birth of 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 127 columns, set in eight rows, equal to 18 m). The money was donated by the Lydian king. Construction took a long time, and during this time several architects were replaced. The temple was built of white marble, and the statue of the goddess of ivory and gold. It was the business and financial center of the city, there were also religious ceremonies. This ancient temple did not belong to the city government and was completely under the administration 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).

Classical period in architecture

The classical period, which lasted from 470 to 388 years. BC. E. - this is the time of the heyday of the state, the era of higher democracy and recovery. The best masters of all Greece flock to Athens. The ways of development of architecture are inextricably linked with the name of the greatest sculptor of the ancient world - Phidias. Outstanding politician and figure Pericles outlined a large-scale and grandiose plan for the construction of the Acropolis. It was under the leadership of Phidias during the second half of the 5th century BC. E. There was one of the most grandiose construction projects, at the end of which appeared a perfect architectural ensemble, headed by the Parthenon. Athens Acropolis was richly decorated with sculptures of the master and his students.

In general, in the architecture of the classical period, the Doric type of temples continues to prevail. However, it becomes easier in the forms and bolder in the composition plan. Gradually Ionic and Corinthian styles are introduced. 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 refine. One of the most remarkable monuments of architecture of those times is the Temple of Theseus, located in Athens. This is a vivid example of how the Doric style was softened in Attica.

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

Parthenon

The Acropolis of Athens is a rocky hill 156 m high with a flat top, about 300 m in length and 170 m in width. It is here that the main monument of ancient architecture stands - the magnificent Parthenon. The temple is dedicated to the patroness of all Attica and Athens, in particular to the goddess Athena-virgin. It was erected in 447-438 gg. Architect Kallikrat on a project created by the ancient Greek architect Iktin, and is richly decorated under the guidance of the sculptor Phidias. Now the temple is in ruins, reconstruction works are being actively carried out.

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

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

Temple of Zeus in Olympia

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was one of the most revered in Ancient Greece. This building, which is an authentic example of the Doric order, also belongs to the classical period. The temple was laid during the 52nd Olympiad, but the construction was completed only between 472-456. BC. E. All the same Fidium.

It was a classical peripter with 13 columns along the building and 6 - along its width. The temple was built of limestone-shell rock, delivered from Poros. The height of the structure reached 22 m, the width - 27 m, and the length - 64 m. Information on the appearance became available thanks to excavations in 1875, conducted under the guidance of the German archaeologist E. Kurtzius. Inside the temple there was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world - the statue of Zeus, created by Fidium, whose height 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 remnants were finally buried under the wreckage during the earthquake of 522 and 551 BC. E. The fragments of the temple found in the excavation are kept mainly in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, several in the Paris Louvre.

Temple of the god of fire Hephaestus

The ancient temple of the times of the classical period, dedicated to Hephaestus, is preserved in comparison with the rest in the best way. It was erected presumably between the years 449 and 415. BC. E. The sanctuary is the construction of the Doric order. Information about the architect did not survive, probably it was the same architect who was engaged in the erection of the Ares temple on the Agora at Cape Sounion, and the Nemesis in Ramnunte.

The structure was not destroyed in the period of the formation of Christianity. Moreover, the church was used as an Orthodox church to them. St. George from the 17th century to 1834. He was then given the status of a national monument.

The period of Hellenism

In the period from 338 to 180 years. BC. E. Greek architecture begins to lose its characteristic purity of taste. It is influenced by the sensuality and splendor that penetrated into Hellas from the East. Sculptors, artists and architects are more concerned about the effectiveness of the building, its splendor. Feeling everywhere and everywhere is a passion for the Corinthian style. Civil buildings are being built - theaters, palaces, etc.

Famous temples of Greece during the Hellenistic period are dedicated to Winged Athena (in Tegea), Zeus (in Nemea). There are many grandiose and luxurious buildings in this period in Asia Minor. In particular, the huge temple of F. Didimsky in Miletus (pictured above).

Period of the Roman Empire

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