Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Greek Columns
The ancient Greeks developed three
distinctive, carefully proportioned styles of
columns—the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian
orders. The Doric column, first used in the 7th
century bc, has no base, and the heavy shaft is
tapered upward to the capital. The surface of
the shaft, which has a slight convex curve, is
indented with shallow, vertical channelings or
flutings, features also found in the Ionic and
Corinthian orders. The Doric capital consists
mainly of an undecorated, square slab resting
on a rounded disc of stone that tapers down to
the top of the shaft.
In the 6th century bc the Ionic order was
introduced into Greece from Asia. The Ionic
column, which is more tapered than the Doric,
rises from a richly molded circular base. The
capital is distinguished by projecting stone
spirals known as volutes.
In the 4th century bc the Corinthian order was introduced as a
variant of the Ionic. The Corinthian shaft is slender, and the capital is
carved in the shape of an inverted bell, ornately decorated with
volutes and acanthus leaves.
The Romans added two types of columns to the classical orders, the
Tuscan, an unfluted modification of the Doric, and the Composite,
which had the Ionic shaft and a more ornate Corinthian capital. A
single pillar, such as Trajan's Column, in Rome, was sometimes erected
to commemorate an event or to honor a person.
Arches and Vaults
Romans learned the vaulting system from the Etruscans. They used
Barrel Vaults and Groined vaults for construction of different public and
imperial buildings. Circular barrel vaulting was used to cover the galleries in
Colosseum.
Previously Romans used trabeate system for supporting the roof. With
this system, the intercolumniation distance was very less. To increase
this distance they had to use big monolithic stones which were very
difficult to find. The arcuate system taken from the Etruscans proved
helpful in increasing the intercolumniation spaces to a greater extent.
Temple designing
Roman temples were quite similar to the Etruscan temples in
their design and had some resemblance
to the Greek temples also.
2. Engaged column.
3. Freestanding column.
4. Entrance steps.
5. Porch.
6. Cella.
Literature