Roman Versus Greek Architectures Essay Example
This essay outlines the dissimilarities between the Roman and Greek architectures of antiquity. Though Roman and Greek architectures are similar to each other in many aspects yet some differences are required to be discussed. The objective of knowing the differences between the Roman and Greek architectures of antiquity is to understand Roman architecture, Greek architecture, and how the Romans and the Greeks lived. There are at least 5 types of architectural orders that are popular in both Greek and Roman architectures. This essay discusses the architectural orders in brief to educate the readers.
Essay Sample on Roman and Greek Architectures
Introduction of Roman Versus Greek Architectures
Roman and Greek architecture are both ancient architectural styles. There are many differences between the two, but they share some similarities as well. Roman architecture is characterized by its use of arches, domes, vaults, columns, and the use of brick or stone to build structures. Romanesque buildings typically have round arches while Byzantine buildings usually have pointed ones. The Greeks differed from Romans in that they did not employ the arch but instead used Doric columns for support with a triangular front pillar called an entablature on top. They also used Ionic pillars which had a capital with spiraling volutes at the top unlike Doric capitals which were plain-with no decoration-or Corinthian capitals which had acanthus leaves carved into them.
Main Essay Body of Roman Versus Greek Architectures
Greek architectures
Greek architectures inspire modern architects. This type of architecture has a system that is made up of posts and lintels. In other words, such systems consist of columns. There are beautiful carvings on the columns. Often mythological creatures are carved into the columns. Greek architecture has some distinctive and precise designs. The simplicity of Greek architecture influenced Roman architects.
There are as many as 5 types of architectural orders. These are the 1) Doric 2) Ionic 3) Corinthian 4) Tuscan 5) Composite. The naming of all these architectural orders was done by the Romans.
1. Doric
This is one of the architectural orders and it is made up of columns. The column top is plain and it is not decorated. The column is fluted and has parallel grooves.
One can find the Doric order in temples. Such an order does not have a base structure. Roman and Greek versions of the Doric order have alternating metopes and triglyphs. The Hephaestus temple located in Sharon Mollerus (Athens, Greece) demonstrates the Doric order of architecture.
2. Ionic
The Ionic order has columns with scrolled designs atop each column. Besides, the columns are fluted and they stand atop a base. This order is pretty similar to the Doric order but is slender when compared to the Doric order.
3. Corinthian
The Corinthian order is recognized by its ornate capital. This order is very similar to the Ionic order. This type of order was quite popular in ancient times.
Roman architecture
Romans continued the Greeks tradition as far as architecture is concerned. Romans used the Corinthian order. Their architecture is visible in many architectural marvels. The Romans utilized new materials and adopted innovative methods in design and construction. They introduced arches and domes. They continued using the architectural orders that were discussed above in this essay.
There is the Tuscan style of architecture and it is quite similar to the Doric column. This is characterized by a small type of design atop the column. Such architectures were popular in domestic architectures.
The contrast between the Roman and the Greek architectures
Roman and Greek architectures are very much similar to each other. However, the architectures of Rome and Greece have differences. For instance, there are differences in the materials that Rome and Greece chose to design their architectures. Both Romans and Greeks used limestone and marbles for the design and construction of their structures. However, Romans also utilized concrete to build their structures.
Greek architectures were mainly Ionic and Doric in styles. Roman architectures were mainly Corinthian and ornate in styles.
The objective of Roman and Greek architectures also differed. The Greek architecture in ancient times was designed to honor the Gods and hence they lack an ornate interior. On the contrary Roman architectures are beautiful internally as well as externally. Besides, mirroring is an essential part of Roman architecture. The arches and domes are important attributes of Roman architecture. However, such things are not part of Greek architecture.
The Pantheon and the Parthenon
Both Pantheon and the Parthenon are ancient temples. The pantheon was designed and built in Rome to honor Roman Gods, whereas the Parthenon was designed and built-in Greece to honor Athena (Greek God). Both these temples are architectural marvels and have many similarities and dissimilarities. The exterior designs of the Pantheon are adopted from Greek architectures (Parthenon). Both these types of temples were used as churches in the medieval era and they were rebuilt. The religious connections of the Pantheon prevented it from being damaged.
Parthenon in contrast was a Doric architecture. It has Ionic columns. The Parthenon floor was constructed using marbles. The Parthenon base was constructed using limestone. Pantheon in contrast has a concrete dome that is supported by ornate columns (Corinthian).
Both Roman and Greek architectures of the past greatly influenced the modern-day architectures of Rome and Greece. The majority of the Roman and Greek architectures were similar. However, the two types of architectures differed from each one in many aspects. This essay outlined the differences between Roman and Greek architectures for the sake of the readers.
Conclusion
The architecture of antiquity is a treasure trove for historians and architects today, with the Roman style being more pragmatic while Greek styles were ornate. Roman architecture is characterized by its use of structural engineering, the curved arch and vaults for increased stability. Greek architecture was primarily made up of columns that supported the roof or other structures. It also utilized domes to create a more circular shape in their buildings.
This essay has provided information on two different ancient civilizations – Rome and Greece. It’s important to note that these cultures were very advanced for their time period with each one boasting many distinctive features which made them stand out from others who lived at the time.