By: Heather

The classical temples of ancient Greece were designed and built according to the belief that certain forms and proportions were pleasing to the gods. The three main types of Greek architectural orders are Doric- 7th century BC used on mainland in western colonies. Features: roofless, surrounded by single row columns, Ionic developed on the Aegean Islands with spiral scrolls on the capitals and Corinthian with columns topped by stylized leaves of the acanthus plant. The art and architecture of practically every period of western civilization has been influenced by the Greek civilization.

During the 19th century, Greek style was proudly displayed in every museum, art academy, and college. Also, public buildings, such as courthouses and banks, became pseudo-Greek temples. Greek and roman art and architecture are often confused. Some differences in the arts of these civilizations are as followed:

Greek walls were made of cut stone blocks; trademark forms were rectangles and straight lines; the support system was post and lintel; the sculptures were most often than not of Greek gods and goddesses. The subject of art was mythology.

Roman walls were made of concrete with ornamental facing; the trademark forms were circles and curved lines; the support system was the rounded arch and vaults; sculptures were of realistic human beings and idealized officials; and finally the subject of art for the Romans were civic leaders and military triumphs. For example, The Parthenon, and The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, and also The Holder Memorial here in Clinton, Massachusetts reflect the architectural structure of these layouts in Greek history.

Holder Memorial on Church Street

Close-up view of support columns