Ancient Greek and Roman architecture

Greek vs Roman Architecture

Difference between Greek and Roman architecture may seem not to exist for some because they look so much alike. However, that does not mean there is no difference at all between the two styles. The simple explanation for such a lot of common appearance is this. Greek architects with its civilization came into being before Roman civilization. Therefore, the Roman civilization borrowed aspects from Greek architecture when their time came. Nevertheless, there is a unique style for Roman architecture as well. All these will be discussed in this article, so that you can have an idea about the difference between Greek and Roman architecture.

More about Greek Architecture

The focus of architecture by the Greek Civilization had almost died since the end of Mycenaean period around the time of 1200 BC till 700 BC. This was a time when the life and prosperity of Plebeians had reached a point of recovery where buildings of public could be undertaken. However, most of the buildings during the time period of 8th Century BC to 6th Century BC consisted chiefly of wood or clay or mud-bricks. Out of those buildings, there are only a few remains left which have some plans. Also, there are no sources in writing available about the early architecture. Moreover, archaeologists have not been able to find any kind of description about the existence of these buildings. Materials that were used by architects in the making of these buildings and major portions of Greek architecture include wood, unbaked bricks, limestone, marbles, terracotta, plaster and bronze. Wood was used in the supports for buildings and was also used in the beams for roofs. Plaster was another important material used for making sinks and bathtubs. Unbaked bricks have been seen in the ancient Greek buildings; they were mostly used to make walls in private homes most of the times. Marble and Limestone have been seen in the walls, upper portions and columns of buildings of public. Roof tiles and ornaments were made from terracotta. Amongst metals, bronze was the material that was used for the purpose of decorations. This kind of architecture was seen in religious, funerary, domestic, civic and recreational types of buildings.

More about Roman Architecture

Ancient Rome did not have its own architecture much. Most of the architectures that were seen in the Roman civilization have got traces of the Greek Architecture. Most of the Roman architectures have adopted the architecture of Greek for their own purposes through which they have created an architectural style that is unique. The Roman architecture has been largely influenced by the Greek architecture. An example of this can be seen by the use and introduction of Triclinium as a place of dining, which was not seen in early buildings of Rome. Similar to this, the Romans took the help from Etruscan civilization from where they obtained a large amount of knowledge, which helped them in the buildings they prepared in the future. Uses of such obtained knowledge are evident from the construction of arches as well as the use of hydraulics. During the reign of Pax Romana, the architecture flourished.

What is the difference between Greek and Roman Architecture?

Greek and Roman architecture, though derived from the same source, have still got a few differences.

• Greek architecture mainly consists of three different styles which are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

• The Roman Empire, on the other hand, consists of different types of basilicas and temples and other buildings such as bridges, etc. that are utilitarian and prove significance in the unification of the people of the empire. With the construction of roads and bridges, the communication between people was enhanced across the large empire.

• Roman architecture has been derived from Greek architecture, but it has been edited with their ideas from their culture which distinguish it from Greek architecture.

• Roman architecture includes factors in their buildings which display the power they possess. Also, their architecture serves the purpose of bringing people together, which is displayed by their buildings. Greek buildings were designed due to one or the other political purposes. Most of the times these political purposes were things such as the celebration of civic power and pride, or they were made to offer thanksgiving to city’s management on their success in war.