Greek Architecture

The Greeks were influenced by the surrounding eastern countries in their art, literature, religion and philosophy, as well as their architecture (Grant 11). Three types of architecture the Greeks used were Doric, Ionic and the Corinthian.


The first of the stone temples were built in the Doric stile in Corinth (Grant 13). A temple was not regularly used as a place of worship for the Greeks, rather it served as a house for the god of the area the temple is in. The Greeks worshiped many different gods and goddesses. Different gods or goddesses were worshiped in different cities (Malam 14).

The Ionic temples stand on small base instead of directly on the floor. This style originated in the mid-16th century BC in Iona. In the mainland of Greece th Ionic order was being practiced in the 5th century BC. The temple of Hera on Samos, was the first of the Ionic temples. It was built by the architect Rhoikos in about 570 through 560 BC source.


The most ornate the three styles was the Corinthian style. This style was named after the city, Corinth. This was also the least used style of the Greek peoples. This style was the third style of architecture used.


The Greeks were greatly influenced by the surrounding eastern cities. They were especially influenced by their architecture (Grant 11). Three of the styles they used were the Doric, the Ionic and the Corinthian.




Grant, Michael. The Founders of the Western World: A History of Greece and Rome. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1991.

Malam, John. Ancient Greece.
New York: Enchanted Lion Books, 2004.