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A sandal worn in Ancient Greece.

Greek Sandal

A sandal worn in Ancient Greece.

A sandal worn in Ancient Greece.

Greek Sandal

A sandal worn in Ancient Greece.

A sandal worn in Ancient Greece.

Greek Sandal

A sandal worn in Ancient Greece.

A sandal worn in Ancient Greece.

Greek Sandal

A sandal worn in Ancient Greece.

"Sarcophagus from the Street of Tombs at Assos in the Troad, excavated by the Archaeological Institute of America." -Whitney, 1911

Sarcophagus

"Sarcophagus from the Street of Tombs at Assos in the Troad, excavated by the Archaeological Institute…

In architecture a corbel (or console) is a piece of stone jutting out of a wall to carry any superincumbent weight. A piece of timber projecting in the same way was called a "tassel" or a "bragger". The technique of corbelling, where rows of corbels deeply keyed inside a wall support a projecting wall or parapet, has been used since Neolithic times. It is common in Medieval architecture and in the Scottish baronial style as well as in the Classical architectural vocabulary, such as the modillions of a Corinthian cornice and in ancient Chinese architecture.

Corbel

In architecture a corbel (or console) is a piece of stone jutting out of a wall to carry any superincumbent…

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave—the supporting member carried from column to column, pier or wall immediately above; the frieze—an unmolded strip that may or may not be ornamented; and the cornice, the projecting member below the pediment. The structure of the entablature varies with the three classical orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. In each, the proportions of the subdivisions (architrave, frieze, cornice) are defined by the proportions of the column in the order. In Roman and Renaissance interpretations, it is usually around a fourth of the height of the column. Variants of entablature that do not fit these models are usually derived from them.

Entablanture

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns,…

Euphorbia lathyris (Caper Spurge or Paper Spurge) is a species of spurge native to southern Europe (France, Italy, Greece, and possibly southern England), northwest Africa, and eastward through southwest Asia to western China. Other names occasionally used include Gopher Spurge, Gopher Plant or Mole Plant. It is an erect biennial (occasionally annual) plant growing up to 1.5 m tall, with a glaucous blue-green stem. The leaves are arranged in decussate opposite pairs, and are lanceolate, 5-15 cm long and 1-2.5 cm broad, glaucous blue-green with a waxy texture and pale greenish-white midrib and veins. The flowers are green to yellow-green, 4 mm diameter, with no petals. The seeds are green ripening brown or grey, produced in globular clusters 13-17 mm diameter of three seeds compressed together.

Caper Spurge

Euphorbia lathyris (Caper Spurge or Paper Spurge) is a species of spurge native to southern Europe (France,…

Serious American students of theology and divinity, particularly in New England, regarded Hebrew as a classical language, along with Greek and Latin, and essential for study of the Old Testament in the original words. The Reverend Ezra Stiles, president of the College from 1778 to 1795, brought with him his interest in the Hebrew language as a vehicle for studying ancient Biblical texts in their original language (as was common in other schools), requiring all freshmen to study Hebrew (in contrast to Harvard, where only upperclassmen were required to study the language) and is responsible for the Hebrew words "Urim" and "Thummim" on the Yale seal.

Seal of Yale University

Serious American students of theology and divinity, particularly in New England, regarded Hebrew as…

The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon is an impressive "tholos" tomb at Mycenae, Greece (on the Panagitsa Hill) constructed around 1250 BCE. The lintel stone above the doorway weighs 120 tons. The tomb was used for an unknown period of time.

Treasury of Atreus

The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon is an impressive "tholos" tomb at Mycenae, Greece (on the…

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;…

The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon is an impressive "tholos" tomb at Mycenae, Greece (on the Panagitsa Hill) constructed around 1250 BCE. The lintel stone above the doorway weighs 120 tons. The tomb was used for an unknown period of time.

Treasury of Atreus Doorway

The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon is an impressive "tholos" tomb at Mycenae, Greece (on the…

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 Corinthian order is one of the Classical orders of Greek and Roman architecture, characterized by a slender fluted column and an ornate capital decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. Although of Greek origin, the Corinthian order was seldom used in Greek architecture.

Greek Corinthian Order

The Corinthian order is one of the Classical orders of Greek and Roman architecture, characterized by…

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.

Roman Ionic Order

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

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a façade.

Bay of Speyer Cathedral

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault…

An illustration of a mechanical kettledrum showing the system of cords inside. Timpani (also known colloquially as kettledrums or kettle drums) are musical instruments in the percussion family. A type of drum, they consist of a skin called a head stretched over a large bowl commonly made of copper. They are played by striking the head with a specialized drum stick called a timpani stick or timpani mallet. Unlike most drums, they produce a definite pitch when struck, and can be tuned, often with the use of a pedal. Timpani evolved from military drums to become a staple of the classical orchestra by the last third of the 18th century. Today, they are used in many types of musical ensembles including concert, marching, and even some rock bands.

Mechanical Kettledrum

An illustration of a mechanical kettledrum showing the system of cords inside. Timpani (also known colloquially…

An illustration of medieval kettledrums in the 14th century. Timpani (also known colloquially as kettledrums or kettle drums) are musical instruments in the percussion family. A type of drum, they consist of a skin called a head stretched over a large bowl commonly made of copper. They are played by striking the head with a specialized drum stick called a timpani stick or timpani mallet. Unlike most drums, they produce a definite pitch when struck, and can be tuned, often with the use of a pedal. Timpani evolved from military drums to become a staple of the classical orchestra by the last third of the 18th century. Today, they are used in many types of musical ensembles including concert, marching, and even some rock bands.

Medieval Kettledrum

An illustration of medieval kettledrums in the 14th century. Timpani (also known colloquially as kettledrums…

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a façade.

Bay of Abbey of St. Denis

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault…

A French Gothic capital from Sainte Chapelle in Paris from the thirteenth century. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A French Gothic capital from Sainte Chapelle in Paris from the thirteenth century. The capitals were…

A fourteenth century capital from transept of Notre Dame, Paris. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A fourteenth century capital from transept of Notre Dame, Paris. The capitals were tall and slender,…

A fifteenth century capital from the north spire of Chartres. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A fifteenth century capital from the north spire of Chartres. The capitals were tall and slender, concave…

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires. Architecturally, the choir (alt. spelling quire) is the area of a church or cathedral, usually in the western part of the chancel between the nave and the sanctuary (which houses the altar). A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a façade.

One Bay of Choir, Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is the only medieval English…

The Catholic Cathedral of Limburg, also known as <em>Georgsdom</em> or <em>Limburger Dom</em> in German (English: Cathedral of St. George) after its dedication to Saint George, is one of the most accomplished buildings of the late Romanesque style. A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

One Bay of Limburg Cathedral

The Catholic Cathedral of Limburg, also known as Georgsdom or Limburger Dom in German…

The Cathedral of St Martin (Italian Duomo) is a church in Lucca, Italy. It was begun in 1063 by Bishop Anselm (later Pope Alexander II). Of this structure, the great apse with its tall columnar arcades and the fine campanile remain. A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

One Bay, Nave of Lucca Cathedral

The Cathedral of St Martin (Italian Duomo) is a church in Lucca, Italy. It was begun in 1063 by Bishop…

The royal Ch&acirc;teau de Chambord at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France is one of the most recognizable ch&acirc;teaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Italian structures.

Plan of Château de Chambord

The royal Château de Chambord at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France is one of the most recognizable…

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave, frieze, and the cornice. The architrave (also called epistyle or door frame) is a moulded or ornamental band framing a rectangular opening. It is the lintel or beam that rests on the capitals of the columns.

Architrave of Entablature over Doorway at the Great Temple at Philæ

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns,…

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave, frieze, and the cornice. The term cornice comes from Italian cornice, meaning "ledge." Cornice molding is generally any horizontal decorative molding which crowns any building or furniture element: the cornice over a door or window, for instance, or the cornice around the edge of a pedestal. A simple cornice may be formed just with a crown molding.

Cornice of Entablature over Doorway at the Great Temple at Philæ

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns,…

The columns form three or four rows, the rows which face the court being closed in by walls of about half the height of the columns, and with the upper part crowned in the manner shown here. Molding, or moulding, is a strip of material with various cross sections used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration. In classical architecture and sculpture, the molding is often carved in marble or other stones.

Profile of the Moulding of the Walls between the Columns at the Great Temple at Philæ

The columns form three or four rows, the rows which face the court being closed in by walls of about…

Guilloche, usually spelled without the acute accent on the final e, describes a repetitive architectural pattern widely used in classical Greece and Rome, consisting of two ribbons that wind around a series of regular central points. These central points are often blank, but may contain a figure, such as a rose. Guilloche is a back-formation from guilloch&eacute;, so called because the architectural motif resembles the designs produced by Guilloche techniques.

Guilloche Ornament Painted on Burnt Clay, from the Ruins of Nineveh

Guilloche, usually spelled without the acute accent on the final e, describes a repetitive architectural…

A drawing on a Greek vase.

Vase Drawings

A drawing on a Greek vase.

A drawing on a Greek vase.

Vase Drawings

A drawing on a Greek vase.

A Greek jug from Rhodes.

Jug from Rhodes

A Greek jug from Rhodes.

Temple at Assus, Greece.

Temple at Assus

Temple at Assus, Greece.

Nike and Bull.

Nike and Bull

Nike and Bull.

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.

Cyclopean Masonry

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

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 Mycen&aelig;.

The Lion Gate at Mycenæ

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

Peculiar vaulted buildings often existed in connection with the palaces for the preservation of valuables; the base of these treasure-houses is circular, and their covering of a dome shape; it does not, however, form an arch, but courses of stones are laid horizontally over one another in such a way that each course projects beyond the one blow it. till the space at the highest course becomes so narrow that a single stone covers it. Of all those that have been preserved till the present day, the treasure-house of Atreus at Mycen&aelig; is the most remarkable.

Section of the Treasury of Atreus

Peculiar vaulted buildings often existed in connection with the palaces for the preservation of valuables;…

Peculiar vaulted buildings often existed in connection with the palaces for the preservation of valuables; the base of these treasure-houses is circular, and their covering of a dome shape; it does not, however, form an arch, but courses of stones are laid horizontally over one another in such a way that each course projects beyond the one blow it. till the space at the highest course becomes so narrow that a single stone covers it. Ornamental fragments, which belonged to these buildings, lead to the conjecture that Mesopotamian art had some influence on the earliest Grecian buildings.

Pillar Fragment from the Treasury of Atreus

Peculiar vaulted buildings often existed in connection with the palaces for the preservation of valuables;…

On the apex and two lower angles of the pediment were introduced acroteria, sometimes ornaments of flowers and tendrils, and sometimes statues of gods or animals. These were placed on small pedestals, and offered an &aelig;sthetic contrast to the sliding effect which would otherwise have been produced by the oblique lines of the pediment.

Acroteria, or Roof-Pedestal, from the Temple of Theseus at Athens

On the apex and two lower angles of the pediment were introduced acroteria, sometimes ornaments of flowers…

On the apex and two lower angles of the pediment were introduced acroteria, sometimes ornaments of flowers and tendrils, and sometimes statues of gods or animals. These were placed on small pedestals, and offered an &aelig;sthetic contrast to the sliding effect which would otherwise have been produced by the oblique lines of the pediment.

Acroteria from the Temple of Minerva at Ægina

On the apex and two lower angles of the pediment were introduced acroteria, sometimes ornaments of flowers…

The Gargoyle Lion Head was found in Metapontum, Greece.

Gargoyle Lion Head

The Gargoyle Lion Head was found in Metapontum, Greece.

This Gargoyle Lion Head is made out of terracotta and is found in Athens, Greece.

Gargoyle Lion Head

This Gargoyle Lion Head is made out of terracotta and is found in Athens, Greece.

The Gargoyle Lion Head is found in the Parthenon of Athens, Greece.

Gargoyle Lion Head

The Gargoyle Lion Head is found in the Parthenon of Athens, Greece.

This Horse Head is found at the Parthenon in Athens.

Horse Head

This Horse Head is found at the Parthenon in Athens.

The Greek akroter serves as an ornamental finish to the apex of a gable. It is painted in the temple of Wingless Victory in Athens, Greece.

Greek Akroter

The Greek akroter serves as an ornamental finish to the apex of a gable. It is painted in the temple…

This Greek akroter is painted in Acropolis, Athens. It serves as the ornamental finish to the apex of a gable.

Greek Akroter

This Greek akroter is painted in Acropolis, Athens. It serves as the ornamental finish to the apex of…

The finial foliated shaft is a Greek design of the choragic monument of Lysikrates in Athens.

Finial Foliated Shaft

The finial foliated shaft is a Greek design of the choragic monument of Lysikrates in Athens.

The ionic capital is a design of a scroll rolled on both sides with spiral curves. It is found in Bassae, Ancient Greece.

Ionic Capital

The ionic capital is a design of a scroll rolled on both sides with spiral curves. It is found in Bassae,…

The antique Corinthian capital is a found in Melos, Greece. It is a design of a two rows of leaves that clothe the lower cylindrical part of the capital.

Antique Corinthian Capital

The antique Corinthian capital is a found in Melos, Greece. It is a design of a two rows of leaves that…

The Greek Corinthian capital is found in a monument in Lysikrates, Athens. It is a design of spiral curves that rise from the rows of leaves and unite in pairs. The center of each sides of the abacus is decorated with palmettes or rosettes.

Greek Corinthian Capital

The Greek Corinthian capital is found in a monument in Lysikrates, Athens. It is a design of spiral…

The Greek console is shown in the front and side view. It is found as a support to the North door of the Greek Temple Erechtheum in Athens, Greece.

Greek Console

The Greek console is shown in the front and side view. It is found as a support to the North door of…

The Greek Caryatid is a female figure used as a support in place of a column. It is found in the temple of Erechtheum, Athens, Greece.

Greek Caryatid

The Greek Caryatid is a female figure used as a support in place of a column. It is found in the temple…

The Greek square panel is found on the coffer of the Propylaea ceiling, the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. The design is of many rays of stars.

Greek Square Panel

The Greek square panel is found on the coffer of the Propylaea ceiling, the entrance to the Acropolis…

The Greek square panel is found on the coffer of the Propylaea ceiling, the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. This panel is divided into eight equal spaces that are decorated with a repeated design.

Greek Square Panel

The Greek square panel is found on the coffer of the Propylaea ceiling, the entrance to the Acropolis…

The Greek square panel is found on the coffer of the Propylaea ceiling, the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. This panel is divided into eight equal spaces that are decorated with a repeated design.

Greek Square Panel

The Greek square panel is found on the coffer of the Propylaea ceiling, the entrance to the Acropolis…

The Greek square panel is found in Athens. This panel is divided into eight equal spaces that are decorated with a repeated design.

Greek Square Panel

The Greek square panel is found in Athens. This panel is divided into eight equal spaces that are decorated…

The Greek square panel is found on the coffer of the Parhtenon ceiling, a Greek Temple. This panel is divided into eight equal spaces that are decorated with a repeated design.

Greek Square Panel

The Greek square panel is found on the coffer of the Parhtenon ceiling, a Greek Temple. This panel is…

This Greek earring is made out of gold in the form of a siren (Greek mythical bird-woman). It was found in Ithaca, Greece.

Greek Earring

This Greek earring is made out of gold in the form of a siren (Greek mythical bird-woman). It was found…