Ancient Architecture

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Study of architectural works from ancient times, before the Middle Ages. This includes the architecture of civilizations such as ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.

Prehistoric Architecture: This topic explores the earliest forms of architecture including the use of natural materials in structures and the development of shelter for early humans.
Egyptian Architecture: This topic covers architecture in Ancient Egypt, including the use of pyramids and temples as well as the development of hieroglyphs and other intricate decorations.
Greek Architecture: This topic explores the rich legacy of Greek architecture, including the design of temples, amphitheaters, and other public buildings, as well as the use of columns and other decorative elements.
Roman Architecture: This topic examines the architecture of ancient Rome, including the development of the arch, dome, and vault as well as the construction of grand public spaces such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
Gothic Architecture: This topic looks at the medieval period of architecture, specifically the emergence of Gothic architecture in the 12th century and the use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and other distinctive features.
Renaissance Architecture: This topic covers the architecture of the Renaissance era in Europe, with an emphasis on the revival of classical style and the emergence of grand palaces, churches, and public spaces.
Baroque Architecture: This topic explores the ornate and grandiose style of Baroque architecture, which emerged in the 17th century and is characterized by elaborate decoration, curved forms, and dramatic lighting.
Colonial Architecture: This topic examines the architecture of European colonialism, specifically the design of buildings and urban spaces in colonial territories around the world.
Islamic Architecture: This topic covers the architecture of Islamic civilizations, including the design of mosques, palaces, and other buildings as well as the use of intricate geometric and floral designs.
East Asian Architecture: This topic explores the architectural styles of East Asia, including the development of traditional buildings such as pagodas, temples, and palaces, as well as modern and contemporary architecture in the region.
Ancient Egyptian Architecture: This type of architecture is characterized by its monumental size and its use of hieroglyphics, obelisks, and sphinxes.
Greek Architecture: Known for its use of columns, entablatures, and pediments, the Greeks were the first to use mathematical principles in architectural design.
Roman Architecture: Roman architecture draws from a variety of sources, including Greek, Etruscan, and Egyptian influences. Key features include arcades, arches, and domes.
Byzantine Architecture: This style is characterized by its use of domes, mosaics, and elaborate decoration. It was prevalent in the Eastern Roman Empire.
Early Christian Architecture: This type of architecture emerged in the first few centuries A.D. It was heavily influenced by Roman architecture and featured basilicas and central-plan churches.
Gothic Architecture: Gothic architecture is characterized by its use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. It was prevalent in Europe from the 12th to the 16th century.
Islamic Architecture: This type of architecture is known for its intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy. It also features prominent domes and minarets.
Renaissance Architecture: This style emerged in Italy during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was characterized by its use of classical forms, including pilasters, columns, and pediments.
Baroque Architecture: This type of architecture emerged in the 17th century and was characterized by its use of ornate decoration, including intricate stucco work and dramatic lighting.
Rococo Architecture: This style emerged in the 18th century and was characterized by its playful, ornamental features and its use of pastel colors.
Neoclassical Architecture: This style emerged in the late 18th century in Europe and was characterized by its use of classical forms and motifs, including columns, pediments, and ornamental friezes.
Victorian Architecture: This style was prevalent in England during the reign of Queen Victoria and was characterized by its use of ornate decoration, including ironwork, stonework, and intricate woodwork.
Art Nouveau Architecture: This type of architecture emerged in the late 19th century and was characterized by its flowing lines and organic forms, as well as its use of decorative motifs inspired by nature.
Modernist Architecture: Modernist architecture emerged in the early 20th century and was characterized by its use of minimalist forms, including flat roofs, clean lines, and simple geometries.
Postmodern Architecture: This type of architecture emerged in the late 20th century and was characterized by its use of eclectic historical references, as well as its playful, whimsical features.
"Ancient Greek architecture came from the Greek-speaking people whose culture flourished ... for a period from about 900 BC until the 1st century AD..."
"...with the Parthenon regarded, now as in ancient times, as the prime example. Most remains are very incomplete ruins, but a number survive substantially intact, mostly outside modern Greece."
"The second important type of building that survives all over the Hellenic world is the open-air theatre..."
"...the processional gateway (propylon), the public square (agora) surrounded by storied colonnade (stoa), the town council building (bouleuterion), the public monument, the monumental tomb (mausoleum) and the stadium."
"Ancient Greek architecture is distinguished by its highly formalised characteristics, both of structure and decoration."
"...each building appears to have been conceived as a sculptural entity within the landscape, most often raised on high ground so that the elegance of its proportions and the effects of light on its surfaces might be viewed from all angles."
"Nikolaus Pevsner refers to 'the plastic shape of the [Greek] temple [...] placed before us with a physical presence more intense, more alive than that of any later building.'"
"The formal vocabulary of ancient Greek architecture, in particular the division of architectural style into three defined orders: the Doric Order, the Ionic Order, and the Corinthian Order..."
"...was to have a profound effect on Western architecture of later periods."
"The architecture of ancient Rome grew out of that of Greece and maintained its influence in Italy unbroken until the present day."
"...its concept of architectural beauty based on balance and proportion."
"The successive styles of Neoclassical architecture and Greek Revival architecture followed and adapted ancient Greek styles closely."
"Ancient Greek architecture came from the Greek-speaking people (Hellenic people) whose culture flourished on the Greek mainland, the Peloponnese, the Aegean Islands, and in colonies in Anatolia and Italy..."
"...with the earliest remaining architectural works dating from around 600 BC."
"Most remains are very incomplete ruins, but a number survive substantially intact, mostly outside modern Greece."
"...the processional gateway (propylon), the public square (agora) surrounded by storied colonnade (stoa), the town council building (bouleuterion), the public monument, the monumental tomb (mausoleum), and the stadium."
"...was to have a profound effect on Western architecture of later periods."
"The architecture of ancient Rome grew out of that of Greece and maintained its influence in Italy unbroken until the present day."
"From the Renaissance, revivals of Classicism have kept alive not only the precise forms and ordered details of Greek architecture..."
"The successive styles of Neoclassical architecture and Greek Revival architecture followed and adapted ancient Greek styles closely."