ClipArt ETC

This ClipArt gallery offers 209 illustrations of ancient Greek architecture.

A Greek Theater, Athens.

Greek Theatre

A Greek Theater, Athens.

"Guttae in Doric Architecture. A, form of gutta beneath regula; G, G, guttae beneath mutules and regulae. GUTTA. A drop; specifically, in architecture, one of a series of pendent ornaments, generally in the form of the frustum of a cone, but sometimes cylindrical, attached to the under side of the mutules and regulae of the Doric entablature." -Whitney, 1911

Gutta in Doric Architecture

"Guttae in Doric Architecture. A, form of gutta beneath regula; G, G, guttae beneath mutules and regulae.…

"Greek Tomb" — Smith, 1873.

Hypogea

"Greek Tomb" — Smith, 1873.

Carved triple guilloche on torus of Ionic base.

Ionic Base

Carved triple guilloche on torus of Ionic base.

Ionic capital from the Erechtheion, Athens.

Ionic Capital

Ionic capital from the Erechtheion, Athens.

Ionic capital.

Ionic Capital

Ionic capital.

In the capital the Doric echinus is replaced either by a cyma ornamented with leaves, or, more generally, by an ovolo with a pearl-beading beneath. Instead of the Doric abacus there occurs a cushion-like band in its place, whose ends wound in a spiral shape and coiled with elastic force, when viewed either from in front or behind, formed volutes, which on both sides considerably exceed the diameter of the column, and also surpass the architrave in breadth. This specific one differs from the normal shape.

Ionic Capital from the Temple of Apollo at Basse

In the capital the Doric echinus is replaced either by a cyma ornamented with leaves, or, more generally,…

In the capital the Doric echinus is replaced either by a cyma ornamented with leaves, or, more generally, by an ovolo with a pearl-beading beneath. Instead of the Doric abacus there occurs a cushion-like band in its place, whose ends wound in a spiral shape and coiled with elastic force, when viewed either from in front or behind, formed volutes, which on both sides considerably exceed the diameter of the column, and also surpass the architrave in breadth.

Ionic Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Priene

In the capital the Doric echinus is replaced either by a cyma ornamented with leaves, or, more generally,…

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy line over the echinus. The intervals of the spiral coils are slightly hollowed, in order to bring them into more relief, and in this way the so-called channel is formed, which is continued in the horizontal portion which connects the volutes.

Side View of the Ionic Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Priene

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy…

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy line over the echinus. The intervals of the spiral coils are slightly hollowed, in order to bring them into more relief, and in this way the so-called channel is formed, which is continued in the horizontal portion which connects the volutes.

Top View of the Ionic Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Priene

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy…

Ionic Column

Ionic Column

Ionic Column

Ionic order of the Erechtheion, Athens.

Ionic Column

Ionic order of the Erechtheion, Athens.

One of the three Greek orders of architecture. It originated in mid-6th century BC.

Ionic Column

One of the three Greek orders of architecture. It originated in mid-6th century BC.

The base of the column, torus, displays a concave molding called a scotia. This type of base was not present in the Greek Doric architecture, but are present throughout Ionic and Corinthian columns. The column is fluted. The Erechtheum, or Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. a. sotia.

The Base of an Ionic Column at the Erechtheum

The base of the column, torus, displays a concave molding called a scotia. This type of base was not…

"Elevation of a Greek Ionic Hexa-prostyle." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Ionic Hexa-prostyle

"Elevation of a Greek Ionic Hexa-prostyle." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Grecian Ionic Order.

Ionic Order

Grecian Ionic Order.

Ionic order

Ionic Order

Ionic order

The Ionic order column originated in the mid-6th century BC in Ionia. The Ionic order column was being practiced in mainland Greece in the 5th century BC. The first of the great Ionic temples was the Temple of Hera on Samos, built about 570 BC–560 BC by the architect Rhoikos. It stood for only a decade before it was leveled by an earthquake. It was in the great sanctuary of the goddess: it could scarcely have been in a more prominent location for its brief lifetime. A longer-lasting 6th century Ionic temple was the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Greek Ionic Order

The Ionic order column originated in the mid-6th century BC in Ionia. The Ionic order column was being…

The Ionic order column originated in the mid-6th century BC in Ionia. The Ionic order column was being practiced in mainland Greece in the 5th century BC. The first of the great Ionic temples was the Temple of Hera on Samos, built about 570 BC–560 BC by the architect Rhoikos. It stood for only a decade before it was leveled by an earthquake. It was in the great sanctuary of the goddess: it could scarcely have been in a more prominent location for its brief lifetime. A longer-lasting 6th century Ionic temple was the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Greek Ionic Order (Side View)

The Ionic order column originated in the mid-6th century BC in Ionia. The Ionic order column was being…

The main entrance through the circuit wall was made grand by the best known feature of Mycenae, the Lion Gate, through which passed a stepped ramp leading past circle A and up to the palace. The Lion Gate was built in the form of a 'Relieving Triangle' to support the weight of the stones. Two lionesses flank the central column that represents a god or goddess.

Lion Gate at Mycenæ

The main entrance through the circuit wall was made grand by the best known feature of Mycenae, the…

Remains of the circular walls round towns and palaces, which are known under the name Cyclopean, exist at the present day. These are found both in Greece itself and in many of the Greek colonies, as in Italy and Sardinia. Such walls consist of gigantic polygonal blocks of stone, the corners of which fit accurately into one another. Other structures of this kind consist of regular blocks of equal height. Both kinds are constructed entirely without mortar. The Lion Gate served as the gateway to the city of Mycenæ.

The Lion Gate at Mycenæ

Remains of the circular walls round towns and palaces, which are known under the name Cyclopean, exist…

The Gate of the Lions is located in Mycenae, Greece. It was the entrance to the city. On top of the gate there are two lions carved in stone facing each other with a column in the middle, believed to have been a statue of god or goddess.

Gate of the Lions

The Gate of the Lions is located in Mycenae, Greece. It was the entrance to the city. On top of the…

"Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, restored." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Lysicrates Monument

"Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, restored." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a tomb built between 353 and 350 BC at Halicarnassus (present Bodrum, Turkey) for Mausolus, a satrap in the Persian Empire, and Artemisia II of Caria, his wife and sister. The structure was designed by the Greek architects Satyrus and Pythius. It stood approximately 45 metres (135 ft) in height, and each of the four sides was adorned with sculptural reliefs created by each one of four Greek sculptors — Leochares, Bryaxis, Scopas of Paros and Timotheus. The finished structure was considered to be such an aesthetic triumph that Antipater of Sidon identified it as one of his Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a tomb built between 353 and 350 BC at Halicarnassus (present Bodrum,…

"Rock-cut from of the Grave of Midas at Doganlu, in Phyrgia." —D'Anvers, 1895

Grave of Midas

"Rock-cut from of the Grave of Midas at Doganlu, in Phyrgia." —D'Anvers, 1895

Egg-and-dart carved molding.

Molding

Egg-and-dart carved molding.

Water-leaf carved molding.

Molding

Water-leaf carved molding.

"A Capital of the Parthenon. - E, Echinus. In architecture, the convex projecting molding of eccentric curve in Greek examples, supporting the abacus of the Doric capital."

Echinus Molding

"A Capital of the Parthenon. - E, Echinus. In architecture, the convex projecting molding of eccentric…

Of a less ambitious class were those monuments erected in honor of the victorious choragus in musical competitions. In these structures the tripod, as the reward of victory, was borne in mind. An instance of this style of building is preserved to us in the choragic monument of Lysicrates.

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

Of a less ambitious class were those monuments erected in honor of the victorious choragus in musical…

Of a less ambitious class were those monuments erected in honor of the victorious choragus in musical competitions. In these structures the tripod, as the reward of victory, was borne in mind. An instance of this style of building is preserved to us in the choragic monument of Lysicrates.

Finial of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

Of a less ambitious class were those monuments erected in honor of the victorious choragus in musical…

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae. It is supposed to represent the piece of timber through which the wooden pegs were driven in order to hold the rafter in position, and it follows the sloping rake of the roof. In the Roman Doric order the mutule was horizontal, with sometimes a crowning fillet, so that it virtually fulfilled the purpose of the modillion in the Corinthian cornice.

Mutule, Front View

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae.…

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae. It is supposed to represent the piece of timber through which the wooden pegs were driven in order to hold the rafter in position, and it follows the sloping rake of the roof. In the Roman Doric order the mutule was horizontal, with sometimes a crowning fillet, so that it virtually fulfilled the purpose of the modillion in the Corinthian cornice.

Mutule, Side View

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae.…

The Temple of Neptune is located in the Graeco-Roman ancient city of Paestum, located in the Campania region in Italy. The Temple is made out of vertical columns that stand on a flat base. It is a misnomer, as it was originally dedicated to Hera.

Temple of Neptune

The Temple of Neptune is located in the Graeco-Roman ancient city of Paestum, located in the Campania…

"The first public monuments that arose after the Persian wars were erected under the auspices of Cimon, who was, like Pericles, a lover and patron of the arts. The principal of these were the small Ionic temple of Nike Apteros (Wingless Victory), and the Theseum, or Temple of Theseus. The temple of Nike Apteros was only 27 feet in length by 18 in breadth, and was erected on the Acropolis in commemoration of Cimon's victory at the Eurymedon." — Smith, 1882

Temple of Nike Apteros

"The first public monuments that arose after the Persian wars were erected under the auspices of Cimon,…

"Buildings and Environs of Olympia (Restoration)" — Morey, 1903

Olympia Buildings

"Buildings and Environs of Olympia (Restoration)" — Morey, 1903

"Corinthian Order. From the Monument of Lysicrates, at Athens." —D'Anvers, 1895

Corinthian order

"Corinthian Order. From the Monument of Lysicrates, at Athens." —D'Anvers, 1895

"Doric Order. From the Temple at Selinus." —D'Anvers, 1895

Doric Order

"Doric Order. From the Temple at Selinus." —D'Anvers, 1895

A, crepidoma or stylobate; B, column; C, architrave; D, tænia; E, frieze; F, horizontal cornice; G, raking cornice; H, tympanum of pediment; K, metope. In this and other cuts of this order, only the upper and lower parts of the shaft are shown, the intervening and greater part of the shaft being omitted, to save space.

Greek Doric Order

A, crepidoma or stylobate; B, column; C, architrave; D, tænia; E, frieze; F, horizontal cornice;…

"Ionic order. From the Temple of Athene (Minerva) at Priene." —D'Anvers, 1895

Ionic order

"Ionic order. From the Temple of Athene (Minerva) at Priene." —D'Anvers, 1895

"The Parthenon is a celebrated temple at Athens, consecrated to Athena or Minerva, the protectress of the city, built on an elevated rock near the Acropolis, and has always been regarded as the most exquisite and perfect example of Grecian architecture. The Parthenon was erected about 448 B. C., in the time of Pericles, Phidias being the chief sculptor. It had a length of 228 feet, by a breadth of 100; it had eight columns beneath each pediment, and 15 on each side, exclusive of those at each end of the pediments, with which they formed 16 intercolumns, of 46 columns in all, exclusive of those within the building. This magnificent fane had resisted the ravages of time down to the 17th century, being by turns a pagan temple, a Christian church, and also a Turkish mosque, till at the siege of Athens by the Venetians, in 1687, a shell fell on the roof of the Acropolis or citadel, which, firing the magazine beneath, shattered that building and the Parthenon into blackened ruins."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Parthenon

"The Parthenon is a celebrated temple at Athens, consecrated to Athena or Minerva, the protectress of…

"West Front of the Parthenon (Restoration)" — Morey, 1903

Parthenon

"West Front of the Parthenon (Restoration)" — Morey, 1903

"The Parthenon stood on this highest part of the Acropolis, near its centre, and probably occupied the site of an earlier temple destroyed by the Persians. It was entirely of Pentelic marble, on a rustic basement of ordinary limestone, and its architecture, which was of the Doric order, was of purest kind." — Smith, 1882

Parthenon restored

"The Parthenon stood on this highest part of the Acropolis, near its centre, and probably occupied the…

"The Athenians, on their return to Attica, after the defeat of the Persians, found their city ruined and their country desolate." — Smith, 1882

Modern Parthenon

"The Athenians, on their return to Attica, after the defeat of the Persians, found their city ruined…

Carved pediment rinceau from one of the "Sidon" sarcophagi at Constantinopole.

Pediment

Carved pediment rinceau from one of the "Sidon" sarcophagi at Constantinopole.

"The "Three Fates" from the Parthenon Pediment" — Morey, 1903

Pediment

"The "Three Fates" from the Parthenon Pediment" — Morey, 1903

"The Great Altar at Pergamum (Restoration)" — Morey, 1903

Pergamum

"The Great Altar at Pergamum (Restoration)" — Morey, 1903

The Greek-Corinthian pilaster capital has a palmette leaf design with spiral scroll like ornaments on each side.

Greek-Corinthian Pilaster Capital

The Greek-Corinthian pilaster capital has a palmette leaf design with spiral scroll like ornaments on…

The Greek Doric pilaster capital is found in the ancient Greek temple of Erechtheum in Athens. It has an egg-and-dart design that runs under the abacus. Directly beneath that is decorated with leaves and rosettes.

Greek Doric Pilaster Capital

The Greek Doric pilaster capital is found in the ancient Greek temple of Erechtheum in Athens. It has…

The Greek-ionic pilaster capital is more of an antique style that has spiral scroll like ornaments.

Greek-Ionic Pilaster Capital

The Greek-ionic pilaster capital is more of an antique style that has spiral scroll like ornaments.

The Ionic order was indebted for its earlier development to western Asiatic influence, notably to that of Persepolis; but its maturer beauties are to be attributed to a Doric source. Its main features are the same as in the Doric style; their forms, however, are different. The Ionic order has more mouldings, its forms are richer and more elegant, and, as a style, it is lighter and more graceful than the Doric.

Ionic Pillar in the Erechtheum at Athens

The Ionic order was indebted for its earlier development to western Asiatic influence, notably to that…

A greek pillar or corinthian design.

Corinthian Pillar

A greek pillar or corinthian design.

Polygonal masonry is a technique of stone construction of the ancient Mediterranean world. True polygonal masonry may be defined as a technique wherein the visible surfaces of the stones are dressed with straight sides or joints, giving the block the appearance of a polygon. This technique is found throughout the Mediterranean and sometimes corresponds to the less technical category of Cyclopean masonry.

Polygonal Masonry

Polygonal masonry is a technique of stone construction of the ancient Mediterranean world. True polygonal…

"Porch of the Maidens (Caryatides)" — Morey, 1903

Porch Maidens

"Porch of the Maidens (Caryatides)" — Morey, 1903

"Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheium." —D'Anvers, 1895

Caryatid porch

"Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheium." —D'Anvers, 1895

"Temple of Poseidon at Paestum." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

Poseidon Temple

"Temple of Poseidon at Paestum." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

"Sectional Elevation of the Pronaos of a Hexastyle-peripteral Temple." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Pronaos

"Sectional Elevation of the Pronaos of a Hexastyle-peripteral Temple." — Encyclopedia Britanica,…

"A. Pinacotheca, B. Temple of Nike Apteros, C. Pedestal of Agrippa, D. Road leading to the central entrace, E. Central enterance, F. Hail corresponding to the Pinacotheca." — Smith, 1882

Propylea restored

"A. Pinacotheca, B. Temple of Nike Apteros, C. Pedestal of Agrippa, D. Road leading to the central entrace,…

"Sculpture on the top of the Lion gate at Mycenae." —D'Anvers, 1895

Lion sculpture

"Sculpture on the top of the Lion gate at Mycenae." —D'Anvers, 1895

"Sekos- Plan of the Great Hall of the Mysteries, Eleusis, as excavated in 1888." -Whitney, 1911

Sekos

"Sekos- Plan of the Great Hall of the Mysteries, Eleusis, as excavated in 1888." -Whitney, 1911

"The Sepulchral Columns were of various forms, as is shown by the three specimens in the annexed cut." — Smith, 1873.

Sepulchral Columns

"The Sepulchral Columns were of various forms, as is shown by the three specimens in the annexed cut."…