Do you know your ancient Greek columns?

Corinthian Columns

These ancient Greek columns are easy to identify because of their unique floral leaf design at the top of the column, also known as the capital. These columns are more slender than either the Doric or Ionic Greek columns and their vertical shafts are fluted. They also use entasis, which is making the column bulge outward so that the top and bottom of the shaft are more narrow than the middle. By doing this to the column it gives the human eye the illusion of the column being straight. Corinthian columns have a base that separates the shaft from the foundation of the temple or building. This photo is of the Corinthian capital on the Temple of Zues: Olympieon in Athens.

Doric Columns

These ancient Greek columns are part of the Greek Doric order architecture. They are very powerful and masculine looking. It is believed that this style of column is older than the other two. The columns have no base, but stand directly on the foundation of the building or temple. Their vertical shafts are fluted and have a standard number of 20 flutes per column. the shaft also is wider at the bottom than it is at the top connecting to the capital. The top of the column has a round capital that is topped by a square block. The most famous temple in the Doric order is the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens. This photo of a Doric column is one that I took of the Hephaestieon, which is located in the Agora just below the Acropolis.

Ionic Columns

Ionic Greek columns are very feminine is style. These columns follow the Ionic order of architecture. They are mostly characterized by the scroll pattern of their capital and the base that separates the shaft from the ground just like the Corinthian columns. They are also similar to Corinthian columns in that they have the characteristic of entasis to make them look like they are straight. Ionic columns are more slender than the Doric, but not as slender as the Corinthian and their shafts are fluted. This picture is one I took of the Ionic capital on the Erechthieon located on the Acropolis in Athens.

Ancient Greek Columns
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Jenny Ervin
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