What did ancient Greeks do in temples?
The ancient Greek temple had one primary function: to provide a shelter for the statues of the gods. It was believed that in the statues dwelled the spirits of the gods. Thus, it was only natural for the Greeks to bring forth constructions that would befit the majesty of their gods.
What were ancient Greek temples made from?
The upper elements of the temple were usually made of mud brick and timber, and the platform of the building was of cut masonry. Columns were carved of local stone, usually limestone or tufa; in much earlier temples, columns would have been made of wood.
What do Greek temples represent?
The Role of the Temple Ancient Greek temples were rarely used this way. They were meant to serve as homes for the individual god or goddess who protected and sustained the community. It was the needs of the gods that were most important.
Who built Greek temples?
Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who envisaged building the greatest temple in the ancient world, but it was not completed until the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD some 638 years after the project had begun.
How many types of Greek temples are there?
There are three different types of Greek temples representing the three ‘orders’ of Ancient Greek architecture: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. All three orders employ similar architectural elements, most notably columns.
Who created Greek temples?
Parthenon, Acropolis (447 BCE)
| Date of Construction | 447 – 432 BCE |
|---|---|
| Location of Structure | Athens, Greece |
| Building Type | Temple |
| Architect | Ictinus (mid-5th century BCE) and Callicrates (mid-5th century BCE) |
How did the Greeks built their temples?
The first temples were mostly mud, brick, and marble structures on stone foundations. The columns and superstructure (entablature) were wooden, door openings and antae were protected with wooden planks. The mud brick walls were often reinforced by wooden posts, in a type of half-timbered technique.
What was the first Greek temple built?
By adding columns to this small basic structure, the Greeks triggered the development and variety of their temple architecture. The Temple of Isthmia, built in 690–650 BCE was perhaps the first true Archaic temple. Its size, colonnade, and roof made it different from then-contemporary buildings.
When was the first Greek temple built?
The first Greek temples, built around 800 BC, were made of wood, which was easier to build in than stone.
What’s inside a Greek temple?
Above the frieze was a triangle shaped area with more sculptures called the pediment. Inside the temple was an inner chamber that housed the statue of the god or goddess of the temple. The most famous temple of Ancient Greece is the Parthenon located on the Acropolis in the city of Athens.
What were temples made out of?
Temples were originally made of wood. However, as cities became wealthier, temples became primarily built of stone, with the most important being constructed of expensive marble.