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An illustration of a lotus decorated capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Lotus Capital

An illustration of a lotus decorated capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical…

An illustration of a papyrus decorated capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Papyrus Capital

An illustration of a papyrus decorated capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical…

An illustration of a lotus decorated capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Lotus Capital

An illustration of a lotus decorated capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical…

An illustration of a Persian capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Persian Capital

An illustration of a Persian capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture,…

An illustration of an early Greek capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Early Greek Capital

An illustration of an early Greek capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical…

An illustration of a Corithian capital from the Tholos of Epidaurus. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Corinthian Capital

An illustration of a Corithian capital from the Tholos of Epidaurus. In several traditions of architecture…

An illustration of a Byzantine capital from the central portal of St. Mark's Venice. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Byzantine Capitals

An illustration of a Byzantine capital from the central portal of St. Mark's Venice. In several traditions…

An illustration of a Byzantine capital from the the Church of St. Vitale, Ravenna. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Byzantine Capitals

An illustration of a Byzantine capital from the the Church of St. Vitale, Ravenna. In several traditions…

An illustration of a Byzantine capital from the the Church of St. Vitale, Ravenna. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Byzantine Capitals

An illustration of a Byzantine capital from the the Church of St. Vitale, Ravenna. In several traditions…

An illustration of a cushion capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Cushion Capitals

An illustration of a cushion capital. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture,…

An illustration of a Romanesque capitals from the cloister of Monreale near Palermo, Sicily. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Romanesque Capitals

An illustration of a Romanesque capitals from the cloister of Monreale near Palermo, Sicily. In several…

An illustration of a Gothic capitals from Wells Cathedral. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Gothic Capitals

An illustration of a Gothic capitals from Wells Cathedral. In several traditions of architecture including…

An illustration of a Gothic capitals from from Amiens Cathedral. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Gothic Capitals

An illustration of a Gothic capitals from from Amiens Cathedral. In several traditions of architecture…

An illustration of Italian Renaissance capital from St. Maria dei Miracoli, Venice. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Italian Renaissance Capitals

An illustration of Italian Renaissance capital from St. Maria dei Miracoli, Venice. In several traditions…

Bird's eye view of the Gulf of Santorin, during the volcanic eruption of February 1866.

Gulf of Santorin

Bird's eye view of the Gulf of Santorin, during the volcanic eruption of February 1866.

Episema were used in Greece as a symbol for a country, region, or used on a shield or badge. This episemon depicts a lion's head with a fish in its mouth.

Episemon

Episema were used in Greece as a symbol for a country, region, or used on a shield or badge. This episemon…

The Greek oblong panel has a strict palmette decoration. It is found in the painted coffers (sunken panels) of the ceilings of Propylaea, Athens.

Greek Oblong Panel

The Greek oblong panel has a strict palmette decoration. It is found in the painted coffers (sunken…

The Greek oblong panel has a strict palmette decoration. It is found in the painted coffers (sunken panels) of the ceilings of Propylaea, Athens.

Greek Oblong Panel

The Greek oblong panel has a strict palmette decoration. It is found in the painted coffers (sunken…

An exedra is a semicircular recess set into a building's facade. The exedra at the Street of Tombs in Assos (Turkey) is shown here.

Exedra at the Street of Tombs in Assos

An exedra is a semicircular recess set into a building's facade. The exedra at the Street of Tombs in…

The stairway of the great altar at Pergamon in Ancient Greece shows a frieze. A frieze is a sculpture of an entablature in bas-relief.

Frieze of Altar at Pergamon

The stairway of the great altar at Pergamon in Ancient Greece shows a frieze. A frieze is a sculpture…

Walhalla, or German Temple of Fame and Honor is a neo-classical hall of fame located on the Danube River 10 km east of Regensburg, in Bavaria, Germany. The exterior is a close imitation of the Parthenon (a temple of the Greek goddess Athena), and is constructed of gray marble. It was the idea of 20-year-old Crown Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1807, at a time when the German states were defeated and occupied by Napoleon. It was meant as a place for the commemoration of great figures and events in ethnic German history, at the time covering 1,800 years, beginning with the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (AD 9). Whereas the Valhalla of Norse mythology was home to those gloriously slain in battle, Ludwig's Walhalla was intended not only for warriors but also for scientists, writers, clerics and specifically also for women.

Exterior of Walhalla

Walhalla, or German Temple of Fame and Honor is a neo-classical hall of fame located on the Danube River…

Walhalla, or German Temple of Fame and Honor is a neo-classical hall of fame located on the Danube River 10 km east of Regensburg, in Bavaria, Germany. It was the idea of 20-year-old Crown Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1807, at a time when the German states were defeated and occupied by Napoleon. It was meant as a place for the commemoration of great figures and events in ethnic German history, at the time covering 1,800 years, beginning with the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (9 AD). Whereas the Valhalla of Norse mythology was home to those gloriously slain in battle, Ludwig's Walhalla was intended not only for warriors but also for scientists, writers, clerics and specifically also for women. The walls are lined with marble, and the ceiling is very richly gilded and decorated. The busts that are placed in rows along the walls are, as far as possible, likenesses of celebrated Germans deemed worthy of a place in the Temple of Fame.

Interior of Walhalla

Walhalla, or German Temple of Fame and Honor is a neo-classical hall of fame located on the Danube River…

Salzburg was a city state in the Roman empire until 1805, when it was conquered by the Austrian army. The city is filled with churches, palaces, burgher houses, and a cathedral displaying every style and modification of architecture from Romanesque to neo-classical.

View of Salzburg

Salzburg was a city state in the Roman empire until 1805, when it was conquered by the Austrian army.…

"Gazzetta of the Ionian islands, 1801. A small copper coin, worth about 3 farthings, made in Venice for the Ionian islands." -Whitney, 1911

Obverse and Reverse Sides of a Gazzetta

"Gazzetta of the Ionian islands, 1801. A small copper coin, worth about 3 farthings, made in Venice…

An illustration of a group of Athenian youth on horses.

Athenian Youth on Horses

An illustration of a group of Athenian youth on horses.

An illustration of the theater of Dionysus at Athens.

Theater of Dionysus

An illustration of the theater of Dionysus at Athens.

An illustration of a coin depicting the face of Zeus.

Head of Zeus Coin

An illustration of a coin depicting the face of Zeus.

Herodotus of Halicarnassus was a Greek historian who lived in the 5th century BC (c. 484 BC–c. 425 BC) and is regarded as the "Father of History" in Western culture. He was the first historian to collect his materials systematically, test their accuracy to a certain extent and arrange them in a well-constructed and vivid narrative.

Profile Bust of Herodotus

Herodotus of Halicarnassus was a Greek historian who lived in the 5th century BC (c. 484 BC–c.…

Demosthenes was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations constitute a significant expression of contemporary Athenian intellectual prowess and provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC. Demosthenes learned rhetoric by studying the speeches of previous great orators. He delivered his first judicial speeches at the age of 20, in which he argued effectively to gain from his guardians what was left of his inheritance. For a time, Demosthenes made his living as a professional speech-writer (logographer) and a lawyer, writing speeches for use in private legal suits.

Sculpture of Demosthenes

Demosthenes was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations constitute a…

Socrates was a Classical Greek philosopher. Credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, he is an enigmatic figure known only through the classical accounts of his students. Plato's dialogues are the most comprehensive accounts of Socrates to survive from antiquity.

Bust of Socrates

Socrates was a Classical Greek philosopher. Credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, he…

Plato was a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Along with his mentor, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle, Plato helped to lay the foundations of natural philosophy, science, and Western philosophy. Plato was originally a student of Socrates, and was as much influenced by his thinking as by what he saw as his teacher's unjust death.

Bust of Plato

Plato was a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder…

An illustration of a Greek school vase painting.

Greek School Vase Painting

An illustration of a Greek school vase painting.

Britannia, the personification of Britain, is crowning a kneeling woman while four other women stand behind the kneeling woman. At Britannia's side is her Corinthian helmet and Poseidon's trident. All women are dressed in classical garb. This image was designed by Leonard C Wyon.

Britannia Crowning a Woman

Britannia, the personification of Britain, is crowning a kneeling woman while four other women stand…

This Virgin and Child sculpture is done in a classical style.

Virgin and Child Sculpture

This Virgin and Child sculpture is done in a classical style.

Color flag of Greece. Nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; there is a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white cross; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country.

Flag of Greece, 2009

Color flag of Greece. Nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; there is a blue…

Black and white outline flag of Greece. Nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; there is a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white cross; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country

Flag of Greece, 2009

Black and white outline flag of Greece. Nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white;…

In art and architecture, a meander is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. The name "meander" recalls the twisting and turning path of the Maeander River. Other names are maíandros and meandros, except they are not very common outside of historically minded persons and, of course, the country of Greece. Among some Italians, these patterns are known as Greek Lines.

Meander

In art and architecture, a meander is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped…

"An expression of great massiveness is the main characteristics of this Florentine style, which was principally applied in the architecture of the palaces. The forms which were borrowed from the Roman columnar construction do not in this style, as they do more or less in the other styles of the Renaissance, constitute a pseudo-architecture. The massiveness, however, of the Florentine palaces conveys rather the notion of a fortress than of a mansion of a wealthy nobleman, and this impression is increased by the smallness of the windows in comparison with the rest of the building. This is especially the case with those façades which are entirely constructed of considerably projecting ashlar of irregular size, and to a less degree in the case of those the lowest storey of which alone displays these large undressed blocks." The palace was designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo for Cosimo de' Medici, of the Medici family, and was built between 1445 and 1460. It was well known for its stone masonry that includes rustication and ashlar. The tripartite elevation was used here as a revelation of the Renaissance spirit of rationality, order, and classicism of human scale. This tripartite division is emphasized horizontal stringcourses that divide the building into stories of decreasing height. This makes the building seem lighter as the eye moves up to the extremely heavy cornice that caps and clearly defines the building's outline. Michelozzo di Bartolomeo was influenced in his building of this palace by both Roman principles and Brunelleschian principles. During the Renaissance revival of classical culture, Roman elements were often replicated in architecture, both built and imagined in paintings. In the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the rusticated masonry and the cornice had precedents in Roman art.

Riccardi Palace at Florence

"An expression of great massiveness is the main characteristics of this Florentine style, which was…

"The creations of Alberti form a class apart in Florentine palace architecture, for they do not display the peculiarities of the Florentine style, but rather accommodating the forms of the antique to more modern requirements, they pointed out the road which was followed by the Roman Renaissance style, especially at the commencement of the sixteenth century. As will be seen from (this image,) these buildings are, to a certain extent, free from medièval sympathies, and approach more closely to the classical models."

Rucellai Palace

"The creations of Alberti form a class apart in Florentine palace architecture, for they do not display…

"Next in order are the productions of Jacopo Tatti, or Sansovino, who was born in 1479, and died in 1570. This architect was educated in the Florentine school, and afterwards proceeded to Rome; his masterpieces are less powerful and imposing but on the other hand, are more graceful, and display more richly developed details than those of San Michele."The Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana is a library and Renaissance building in Venice, northern Italy; it is one of the earliest surviving public manuscript depositories in the country, holding one of the greatest classical texts collections in the world. The library is named after St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice.

Old Library of St. Mark at Venice

"Next in order are the productions of Jacopo Tatti, or Sansovino, who was born in 1479, and died in…

"More than one cause served to render the compositions of Palladio so celebrated. He possessed an especial felicity in the arrangement of his ground-plans, particularly in instances where he had an unlimited space for disposal. His command, moreover, of good proportion , rendered his combinations of civic and sacred buildings most pleasing to the eye; whilst the columnar arrangement of his entrances conveyed an agreeable, and at the same time, dignified impression. Consequently the works of Palladio, although often composed of heterogeneous elements, remained for a long period the model for an entire style; and even in the eighteenth century, when the total deterioration of architecture, as exemplified in what is called by the Germans "the Zopf-und-Perrücken Styl" (pigtail and periwig style), led architects again in the direction of the classical, the designs of Palladio became anew a subject of study. Even in present day they are often immoderately praised by those who are not really conversant with the principles and requirements of art, and who are ignorant of the history of the development of architecture."Il Redentore, more properly Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (Church of the Most Holy Redeemer), is Andrea Palladio's great domed church on Giudecca, one of the islands of Venice. Located on the waterfront of the Canale della Giudecca, it dominates the skyline of the island.The Redentore was built in thanksgiving for deliverance from the plague that decimated Venice from 1575 to 1576, in which some 46,000 people, 25-30 percent of the population, died. The Senate commissioned the great architect Palladio to design it. Construction began in May 1577. The building was in a satisfactory stage and was consecrated in 1592.

St. Saviour's, Venice

"More than one cause served to render the compositions of Palladio so celebrated. He possessed an especial…

"More than one cause served to render the compositions of Palladio so celebrated. He possessed an especial felicity in the arrangement of his ground-plans, particularly in instances where he had an unlimited space for disposal. His command, moreover, of good proportion , rendered his combinations of civic and sacred buildings most pleasing to the eye; whilst the columnar arrangement of his entrances conveyed an agreeable, and at the same time, dignified impression. Consequently the works of Palladio, although often composed of heterogeneous elements, remained for a long period the model for an entire style; and even in the eighteenth century, when the total deterioration of architecture, as exemplified in what is called by the Germans "the Zopf-und-Perrücken Styl" (pigtail and periwig style), led architects again in the direction of the classical, the designs of Palladio became anew a subject of study. Even in present day they are often immoderately praised by those who are not really conversant with the principles and requirements of art, and who are ignorant of the history of the development of architecture." Villa Capra "La Rotonda" is a Renaissance villa just outside Vicenza, northern Italy, designed by Andrea Palladio. The correct name is Villa Almerico-Capra. It is also known as La Rotonda, Villa Rotunda, Villa La Rotonda, and Villa Almerico. The name "Capra" derives from the Capra brothers, who completed the building after it was ceded to them in 1591. Like other works by Palladio in Vicenza and the surrounding area, the building is conserved as part of the World Heritage Site "City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto".

Villa by Palladio

"More than one cause served to render the compositions of Palladio so celebrated. He possessed an especial…

The Villa Farnese, also known as Palazzo Farnese or Villa Caprarola, is a mansion in the town of Caprarola in the province of Viterbo, Northern Lazio, Italy, approximately 50 kilometres (35 miles) north-west of Rome. The Villa Farnese is a massive Renaissance construction begun in the early 1520s by Antonio da Sangallo, opening to the Monte Cimini, a range of densely wooded volcanic hills. It has a five-sided plant, and is built in reddish gold stone; buttresses support the piano nobile above, with two floors above again housing an almost complete two-story villa in itself. As a centerpiece of the vast Farnese holdings, it has always been more than a villa in the ordinary agricultural or pleasure senses. "Another school, which displays a still stricter imitation of classical forms than that of which Bramante was the founder, was represented and advocated by Giacomo Barozzio, who is known under the name of Vignola (1507- 1573). This architect, by his works and his great influence on his contemporaries and successors, and the effect of his example is, like Palladio's, to be traced not only in the architectural bias of his own times, but also in the course of history of the eighteenth century. This result was principally brought about by means of his book on the five columnar orders of antiquity, and this treatise has been regarded as an authority down to the latest times. His most noteworthy construction is the Castle of Caprarola, between Rome and Viterbo."

Farnese Palace at Rome

The Villa Farnese, also known as Palazzo Farnese or Villa Caprarola, is a mansion in the town of Caprarola…

The royal Château de Chambord at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Italian structures. "The artistic influence of Italy came into operation in France sooner than in other European countries, for as early as the fifteenth century the Renaissance style was introduced there by Italian architects, as, for instance, by Fra Giocondo, who was summoned thither by Louis XII. But at the epoch the Flamboyant style was still in its vigour, and the buildings then erected could not extricate themselves from its influence. The consequence was that a blending of the two styles temporarily prevailed, as, for instance in the Château de Blois, which Louis XII. caused to be built, and which has lately been restored by Duban. It was in these country residences of the nobility, especially on the banks of the Loire, that this architectural activity was displayed during the earlier period of the Renaissance; amongst their number the Château de Chambord [shown here] is most worthy of notice. The pilasters and their mouldings of the Renaissance style were, it is true, somewhat rudely carried out, and in the earlier period were combined with certain elements of the Flamboyant style. Highly ornamental gables and dormer-windows. especially, were executed in the latter style. Buildings were contemporaneously constructed entirely in the Flamboyant style, as, for instance, the Cathedral, the Palais de Justice, and the Hâtel Bourgtheroulde, all at Rouen, and the Hâtel de Ville at Compiègne."

Château de Chambord

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

The Panthéon (Latin Pantheon, from Greek Pantheon, meaning "Every god") is a building in the Latin Quarter in Paris, France. It was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, but after many changes now combines liturgical functions with its role as a famous burial place. It is an early example of Neoclassicism, with a façade modeled on the Pantheon in Rome, surmounted by a small dome that owes some of its character to Bramante's "Tempietto". Located in the 5th arrondissement on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, the Panthéon looks out over all of Paris. Its architect, Jacques-Germain Soufflot, had the intention of combining the lightness and brightness of the gothic cathedral with classical principles. Soufflot died before his work was achieved, and his plans were not entirely followed. The transparency he had planned for his masterpiece was not attained. Nevertheless, it is one of the most important architectural achievements of its time and the first great neoclassical monument."Toward the end of the reign of Louis XV. a reaction set in, which was caused partly by the excess and caprice displayed in the application of this style, and partly by the tide again setting in the direction of the antique. This evidence by the Colonnades de la Place de Concorde, and by the Church of Ste. Geneviève, which was begun by Soufflot in the year 1755, and subsequently received the name of Pantheon [shown here]. From thenceforth imitations of ancient buildings came into vogue, as they also did in other countries."

West Front of the Pantheon at Paris

The Panthéon (Latin Pantheon, from Greek Pantheon, meaning "Every god") is a building in the Latin…

The Tomb of Atreus also known as the Treasury of Atreus is a tomb located in Mycenae, Greece built between 1250 and 1300 B.C. The face of the tomb consists of columns and has a triangle above the doorway. The tomb has an interior that is formed of a semi-underground circular room with a beehive tomb, also known as the tholos.

Tomb of Atreus

The Tomb of Atreus also known as the Treasury of Atreus is a tomb located in Mycenae, Greece built between…

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…

"In contrast to the Berlin school is that of Munich, which was founded by Gärtner. Its influence, which was supported by the renown of many edifices constructed by this architect, such as the Liberty, the University Buildings, and the Ludwigskirche, extended over many other parts of Germany. Without being in any way influenced by the works of Klenze, which are erected in the classical style, such as the Glyptothek, the Pantheon, the Valhalla, and many others, Gärtner's pupils as well as his pupil's pupils, continued in the course of Romantic treatment pointed out to them, and with few exceptions remained steadfast to the Romanesque style."The Glyptothek is a museum in Munich, Germany, which was commissioned by the Bavarian King Ludwig I to house his collection of Greek and Roman sculptures (hence Glypto-, from the Greek root glyphein, to carve). It was designed by Leo von Klenze in the Neoclassical style, and built from 1816 to 1830. Today the museum is a part of the Kunstareal.

Glyptothek at Munich

"In contrast to the Berlin school is that of Munich, which was founded by Gärtner. Its influence, which…

"In Dresden, owing to the method of instruction in the technical schools, as well as to the influence of the buildings, as, for instance, those by Zwinger, and the new theatre by Semper, the Renaissance style is the one preferred by the architects who have been there educated." The Semperoper is the opera house of the Saxon State Opera Dresden (German: Sächsische Staatsoper Dresden) and the concert hall of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden in Dresden, Germany. It was first built in 1841, by architect Gottfried Semper. The building style itself is debated among many, as it has features that appear in the Early Renaissance style, Baroque and even features Corinthian style pillars typical of classical Greece (classical revival). Perhaps the most suitable label for this style would be Eclecticism; where influences from many styles are used- a practice most common during this period. It had to be rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in 1869. The citizenry demanded that Gottfried Semper do the reconstruction, even though he was in exile at the time because of his activities in the May Uprising in Dresden in 1849. So the architect had his son Manfred Semper complete the second opera house with his father's plans. This second one was constructed in Neo-Renaissance style in 1878. During construction, performances were held at the Gewerbehausall, which opened in 1870. The building is considered to be a prime example of "Dresden-Baroque" architecture. It is situated on the Theater Square in central Dresden on the bank of the Elbe River. On top of the portal there is a Panther quadriga with a statue of Dionysos. The interior was created by such famous architects of the time as Johannes Schilling. Monuments on the portal depict famous artists such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, William Shakespeare, Sophocles, Molière and Euripides. The building also features work by Ernst Rietschel and Ernst Julius Hähnel. In the pre-war years, the building premiered many of the works of Richard Strauss. During the last weeks of World War II in 1945 the building was destroyed again - this time by Allied bombing and the subsequent fire storms. Exactly 40 years later, on February 13, 1985 the opera was rebuilt almost the same as it was before the war. It reopened with the same opera that was performed last before the destruction in 1945: Weber's Der Freischütz. During the flood of the Elbe in 2002 the building suffered heavy water damage. With substantial help from around the world, it reopened in December 2002. Today, most operas are accompanied by the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden.

Theatre at Dresden

"In Dresden, owing to the method of instruction in the technical schools, as well as to the influence…

Fixed windmills, oriented to the prevailing wind were extensively used in the Cyclades islands of Greece. The economies of power and transport allowed the use of these 'offshore' mills for grinding grain transported from the mainland and flour returned. A 1/10th share of the flour was paid to the miller in return for his service. This type would mount triangular sails when in operation.

Fixed Axis Windmill

Fixed windmills, oriented to the prevailing wind were extensively used in the Cyclades islands of Greece.…

The guitar is a musical instrument of the chordophone family. The standard guitar has six strings, others are also available. Guitars are recognized as one of the primary instruments in jazz, rock, and pop music.

Nylon String Classical Guitar

The guitar is a musical instrument of the chordophone family. The standard guitar has six strings, others…

A violin is constructed with its sounding box formed with a concave bottom surface to fit against the shoulder of the violinist and with a hook on its top surface that can be attached to a band around the violinist's body. In addition, the violin is formed in a pear shape with a longer neck section than in the classical violin. Thereby, the violinist can play the instrument without supporting it under the chin, and achieve full range of fingering without interference from the front edge of the sounding box.

Violin Body

A violin is constructed with its sounding box formed with a concave bottom surface to fit against the…

One of the first Greek amphitheaters, located in the political center of the Elymian people.

Theater of Segesta

One of the first Greek amphitheaters, located in the political center of the Elymian people.

Statue of the Greek dramatist. He is representative of Athenian New Comedy.

Menander

Statue of the Greek dramatist. He is representative of Athenian New Comedy.

A stature of Aristophanes, who was a prolific and commonly celebrated playwright of comedy. He is also known as the Father of Comedy.

Aristophanes

A stature of Aristophanes, who was a prolific and commonly celebrated playwright of comedy. He is also…

An illustration of eight different types of Greek women.

Types of Greek Women

An illustration of eight different types of Greek women.

"Afterwards [Solon] went to Sardis and made the acquaintance of Cresus. It was on this occasion that the celebrated interview occurred which has been so much repeated for its lesson. Cresus, desiring to make an impression on his visitor, took him into his treasury and showed him his riches."—Ridpath, 1885

Cresus Showing Solon His Treasures

"Afterwards [Solon] went to Sardis and made the acquaintance of Cresus. It was on this occasion that…

Clisthenes, also known as the Father of Athenian democracy, is depicted competing in a chariot race in the Olympic games.

Clisthenes in the Olympic Games

Clisthenes, also known as the Father of Athenian democracy, is depicted competing in a chariot race…

"The first noted public appearance of [Alcibiades] was on the occasion of the coming of the Lacedaemonian ambassadors requesting the surrender of Pylus. He at first violently opposed the petition, and even went so far as to urge the sending of an embassy to Argos to solicit that city to become a member in a new Athenian league. In spite of the earnest efforts of Nicias and of the protests of the Spartan ambassador, Alcibiades, by means of intrigue and bluster, succeeded in this work, and not only Argos, but also Elis and Mantinea, agreed to maintain an alliance with Athens for a hundred years."—Ridpath, 1885

Alcibiades

"The first noted public appearance of [Alcibiades] was on the occasion of the coming of the Lacedaemonian…

Image depicting a mythical moral anecdote, consisting of two morals. The first that regardless of who wears the crown, they are bound to have threats sent their way. The second is that the threat of terrorism is much greater than the act itself.

Banquet of Damocles

Image depicting a mythical moral anecdote, consisting of two morals. The first that regardless of who…