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Roman and Greek Architecture

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Submitted By mhart4907
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Greek and Roman Architecture
Melisa Hart
ART/101
September 7, 2014
Caleb Kromer

Write a summary comparing the characteristics and innovations of each Greek and Roman

architecture in 200 to 300 words.

Greek architecture inspired Roman architecture, so they have several similarities between them. Together they have created classical architecture that is still greatly remember to this day, but they also share a lot of differences. Most Greek architecture was built to honor their gods, great detail on the outside and inside. Many of the buildings that were built have unique columns, which are used for support, and most of the buildings are more rectangular. The Greeks building many temples. The Greeks developed a set of orders that has a separate type of architecture that is better used in the three orders first Doric, second Iconic, and third Corinthian.
The First Temple of Hera is a good example of how the Greeks used columns in their structures. The structure of The Lion Gate in Greece is another example of Greek architecture. This type of building uses post-and-lintel construction, which is something else that the Greeks were famous for. The Romans used more concrete in their structures than the Greeks. The use of concrete allowed them to make larger buildings and unique structures. More of the Roman buildings are preserved than the Greeks due to the use of concrete as well. The Colosseum in Rome is a great example of a famous piece of architecture built from the Romans. This building is unique in its shape and size and has been well preserved. They used the Colosseum for all types of entertainment. Another example, the Pantheon, is a spectacular building that the Ancient Romans built. I had the opportunity to personally see the Pantheon myself, and was quite amazed at how well it has been kept. The Romans architecture was known for the arches and domes, and both the Colosseum and the Pantheon are great examples of this types of work. You don’t see arches and domes in Greek architecture like you do Roman architecture.

Thought I would share some pictures I took of the Pantheon on our trip to Rome. References
Sayre, H. M. (2009). A world of art (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.

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