Greek Architecture

Greek influence is visable in everything that we have today. Our laws,

cities and even our system of goverment all come from asppects of greek

civilization, but maybe what we have been influenced the most gy the greeks

is in architecture. Maybe the reason this is, is that it was a new form of

architecture that had little to do with function and everything to do with

looks. Agood example is the Greek temple. They were built in honor of the

gods, but the architects were most likely more concerned with beauty than

function.

Unlike the Romans who used the arch to support their buildings the Greeks

used columns. their system is called the post and lintel system. This

system wasn't very efficiant and is now outdated, but in ancient times it

was the only way of building. Another thing that the Greeks are famous for

are their great theaters, where they held many plays.

Alabama Theatre / Alabama Theater / Birmingham

List of Ancient Greek temples

Die klassischen Säulenordnungen der Antike

Some of these plays

were building blocks for moderm drama.

The greek theater was incredible. The greeks spent years of time and

effort to perfect their theater design. In their theater there were four

things that most theaters had. The orchestra, paraskenia, theatron, and

skene.

the orchestra was the stage, located in the center of the theater. unlike

many modern stages, which are raised above the seatsthe orchestra was

located below the seats. There were sometimes, but not usually, seats

located behind the orchestra.

The theatron was the audiences seating. THe theatron was raised

above the orchestra,which extended in circles. These circles were devided

by walkways which extended outward from the orchestra. The shape of the

theater allowed the actor's voices to carry without the use of modern day

equiptment. The theaters were usually cut out of hillside, meaning that

theywere usually one big piece...