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All these buildings are of a pyramidal shape, with vertical stages, which are separated by curved roofs and terminate above in the from of a cupola. Rows of small cupolas stand out from the roofs of the stages. The walls of these stages are covered in a bewildering way with pilasters and niches, with intricately cut cornices, with varied intersecting mouldings, and with manifold and fantastic embellishments and carvings.

Pilaster, Temple of Chillimbaram

All these buildings are of a pyramidal shape, with vertical stages, which are separated by curved roofs…

All these buildings are of a pyramidal shape, with vertical stages, which are separated by curved roofs and terminate above in the from of a cupola. Rows of small cupolas stand out from the roofs of the stages. The walls of these stages are covered in a bewildering way with pilasters and niches, with intricately cut cornices, with varied intersecting mouldings, and with manifold and fantastic embellishments and carvings. Here is the entrance gate of the temple at Chillimbaram.

Temple of Chillimbaram Entrance Elevation

All these buildings are of a pyramidal shape, with vertical stages, which are separated by curved roofs…

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu which was known in Greco-Roman times as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus-Apollo. It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and one of the best preserved. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 <small>BCE</small>. A, pylon; B, obelisks; C, entrance; D, temple courts; E, porticus; F, pronaos (court with colonnades); G, naos; H, sanctarium.

Temple of Edfu, Floor Plan

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of…

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was founded in 1400 <small>BC</small>. The temple properly begins with the 24 meter (79 ft) high First Pylon, built by Ramesses II. The pylon was decorated with scenes of Ramesses's military triumphs (particularly the Battle of Kadesh). Pylon is the Greek term for a monumental gateway of an Egyptian temple. It consists of two tapering towers, each surmounted by a cornice, joined by a less elevated section which enclosed the entrance between them.

Pylon at the Palace at Luxor

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in…

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was founded in 1400 <small>BC</small>. The temple properly begins with the 24 meter (79 ft) high First Pylon, built by Ramesses II. The pylon was decorated with scenes of Ramesses's military triumphs (particularly the Battle of Kadesh). Pylon is the Greek term for a monumental gateway of an Egyptian temple. It consists of two tapering towers, each surmounted by a cornice, joined by a less elevated section which enclosed the entrance between them.

Pylon at the Palace at Luxor, Profile with Colossal Statue and Obelisk

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in…

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 Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was built originally 15 km south of Aswan in southern Egypt very close to the first cataract of the Nile and to the great religious center dedicated to the goddess Isis, in Phil&aelig;.

Great Temple at the Island of Philæ

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was…

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…

Located with the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Khonsu is an example of an almost complete New Kingdom temple, and was originally constructed by Ramesses III, on the site of an earlier temple. The gateway of this temple is at the end of the avenue of syphinxes that ran to the Luxor Temple.

Cross Section of the Temple of Khonsu

Located with the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Khonsu is an example…

Located with the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Khonsu is an example of an almost complete New Kingdom temple, and was originally constructed by Ramesses III, on the site of an earlier temple. The gateway of this temple is at the end of the avenue of syphinxes that ran to the Luxor Temple.

Floor Plan of the Temple of Khonsu

Located with the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Khonsu is an example…

The serious, solemn, and awe-inspiring efect which the general arrangement of the temple produces is maintained by the smaller details, while the slanting form of the outer walls gives the temple an appearance of solidity and isolation. On this account, and especially owing to its simple unbroken lines, the exterior although monotonous and heavy, is still imposing. The chief peculiarity in the construction of these buildings is that they produce the effect of being composed of an agglomeration of separate parts, which resemble on another, but become smaller and smaller towards the rear of the structure.

Back View of the Temple of Philæ

The serious, solemn, and awe-inspiring efect which the general arrangement of the temple produces is…

The interior has a richer appearance, chiefly owing to the use of columns of a round cylindrical shape. These are, moreover, of the most varied form, and without exception represent objects drawn from the vegetable world.

Interior of the Temple of Philæ

The interior has a richer appearance, chiefly owing to the use of columns of a round cylindrical shape.…

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling the sheath from which the stalk of a plant springs. The same ornament often occurs at the base of the shaft, and seems to a certain extent borrowed from the shape of the lower portion of the papyrus plant (here). Other capitals imitate an unopened bud or seed-pod.

Pillar at the Temple at Edfu

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling…

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling the sheath from which the stalk of a plant springs (here). The same ornament often occurs at the base of the shaft, and seems to a certain extent borrowed from the shape of the lower portion of the papyrus plant. Other capitals imitate an unopened bud or seed-pod.

Capital Ornament in the Temple at Edfu

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling…

The capitals of the columns display an immense variety. The most beautiful have a crater-like form, and appear like the projecting bell of a flower, with leaves standing out from the surface (here). In other instances the pillars are imitations of a palm tree, and have a smooth slender shaft, a neck-moulding of several rings, and then, without any intermediate architectural division, a capital formed of the graceful leaves of the palm.

Capital in the Temple at Edfu

The capitals of the columns display an immense variety. The most beautiful have a crater-like form,…

The capitals of the columns display an immense variety. The most beautiful have a crater-like form, and appear like the projecting bell of a flower, with leaves standing out from the surface. In other instances the pillars are imitations of a palm tree, and have a smooth slender shaft, a neck-moulding of several rings, and then, without any intermediate architectural division, a capital formed of the graceful leaves of the palm (here).

Capital in the Temple at Edfu

The capitals of the columns display an immense variety. The most beautiful have a crater-like form,…

In some temples the pillars have, in lieu of capital, the face of a goddess, probably of Isis, with a drooping sacerdotal hood, and supporting a temple on the head. This face is repeated on four sides of the circular shaft.

Capital in the Temple at Denderah

In some temples the pillars have, in lieu of capital, the face of a goddess, probably of Isis, with…

Instead of columns, square piers are not infrequently introduced in the tombs. In structural buildings they only occur in connection with colossal statues; in which case the pier supports the roof, and the statue, while connected with the pier at the back, has its head free, without supporting anything.

Profile of the Colossal Statue on a Pier at the Luxor Temple

Instead of columns, square piers are not infrequently introduced in the tombs. In structural buildings…

Instead of columns, square piers are not infrequently introduced in the tombs. In structural buildings they only occur in connection with colossal statues; in which case the pier supports the roof, and the statue, while connected with the pier at the back, has its head free, without supporting anything.

Front View of the Colossal Statue on a Pier at the Luxor Temple

Instead of columns, square piers are not infrequently introduced in the tombs. In structural buildings…

They are generally of smaller dimensions in the interior, so that the walls or columns of the same chamber contain several rows of such representations. Between and over them are often found ornamented bands like friezes, and at the bottom of the walls, as in the case of the columns, are introduced more decorations, representing lotus-plants.

Mural Frieze-like Decoration from the Temple of Esneh

They are generally of smaller dimensions in the interior, so that the walls or columns of the same chamber…

Another element in Egyptian monuments which is worthy of study is the hieroglyphics, which mean, literally, sacred sculptures, and that not only because he condition and direction of architecture are thence to be learnt, but because also of the historical disclosures which they bring about.

Mural Decoration with Heiroglyphics from the Great Temple at Philæ

Another element in Egyptian monuments which is worthy of study is the hieroglyphics, which mean, literally,…

They are generally of smaller dimensions in the interior, so that the walls or columns of the same chamber contain several rows of such representations. Between and over them are often found ornamented bands like friezes, and at the bottom of the walls, as in the case of the columns, are introduced more decorations, representing lotus-plants.

Ornament at the foot of the wall from the Great Temple at Philæ

They are generally of smaller dimensions in the interior, so that the walls or columns of the same chamber…

There is another form of Egyptian temples called Typhons. They consist of a simple house in the shape of an oblong square, which has the entrance on the shorter side, and two or three consecutive chambers in the interior; whilst a colonnade surrounds all the four sides of the exterior.

Small Temple on Elephantine Island, Floor Plan

There is another form of Egyptian temples called Typhons. They consist of a simple house in the shape…

In 1959 an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began: the southernmost relics of this ancient human civilization were under threat from the rising waters of the Nile that were about to result from the construction of the Aswan High Dam. This image gives a perspective view of the entrance hall, in which are seen eight standing colossal statues 33 feet high, supported by square piers.1

Entrance to the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

In 1959 an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began: the southernmost relics…

In most rock-temples a court, which is sometimes hewn out of the rock, or a covered vestibule forms the entrance, which opens into an entrance-hall, with smaller chamber beyond, in which pillars or columns are introduced according to the exigencies of the case.

Floor Plan of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

In most rock-temples a court, which is sometimes hewn out of the rock, or a covered vestibule forms…

In most rock-temples a court, which is sometimes hewn out of the rock, or a covered vestibule forms the entrance, which opens into an entrance-hall, with smaller chamber beyond, in which pillars or columns are introduced according to the exigencies of the case.

Cross Section of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

In most rock-temples a court, which is sometimes hewn out of the rock, or a covered vestibule forms…

Four colossal 20 meter statues of the pharaoh with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt decorate the facade of the temple, which is 35 meters wide and is topped by a frieze with 22 baboons, worshippers of the sun and flank the entrance. The colossal statues were sculptured directly from the rock in which the temple was located before it was moved. All statues represent Ramesses II, seated on a throne and wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The statue to the left of the entrance was damaged in an earthquake, leaving only the lower part of the statue still intact. The head and torso can still be seen at the statue's feet.

Entrance of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

Four colossal 20 meter statues of the pharaoh with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt decorate…

This image shows how the middle passage is made more imposing by the arrangement of elevating the columns in the middle, and how at the same time a means is contrived of lighting the whole hall by the raised side-lights.

Hall Section of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

This image shows how the middle passage is made more imposing by the arrangement of elevating the columns…

Temple at Assus, Greece.

Temple at Assus

Temple at Assus, Greece.

Chinese structures have nothing durable about them, for perishable wood forms an essential element in their construction, and they were more remarkable for their elegance and slender proportions than for their vast dimensions. The roofs are especially characteristic, the most striking peculiarity being that they are always curved, and have figures on them in high relief, as well as at the corners, from which hang bells, and that they are decorated with all kinds of embellishments, such as gilt dragons, and other fantastic carvings.

Entrance-Gate to the Temple of Confucius at Shanghai

Chinese structures have nothing durable about them, for perishable wood forms an essential element in…

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.

Façade Tile from the Temple of Diana at Ephesus

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, 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 Doric columns, which are short, powerful, and closely ranged together, in order to support the weight of the massive entablature, consist of the shaft and the capital, and rest immediately without base on the upper step, which serves as the ground-floor, or stereobate of the temple.

Doric Column from the Temple of Neptune at Paestum

The Doric columns, which are short, powerful, and closely ranged together, in order to support the weight…

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…

The so-called Attic base is the form which most frequently occurs; and consists of two tori separated by a cavetto, the whole having a plinth as basis; the upper torus being less high and projecting than the lower.

Attic Base in the Temple of Minerva Polias

The so-called Attic base is the form which most frequently occurs; and consists of two tori separated…

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.

Section of a Volute of an Ionic Capital

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…

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,…

The good effect of the Ionic capital is really only produced by the front-view. It seems calculated to be introduced between pillars and ant&aelig;, and not in a disconnected peristyle with with angle columns. In angle columns, however, the volutes are sometimes constructed in such a way that they meet at both sides diagonally.

Ionic Angle Column from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens, Front

The good effect of the Ionic capital is really only produced by the front-view. It seems calculated…

The good effect of the Ionic capital is really only produced by the front-view. It seems calculated to be introduced between pillars and ant&aelig;, and not in a disconnected peristyle with with angle columns. In angle columns, however, the volutes are sometimes constructed in such a way that they meet at both sides diagonally.

Ionic Angle Column from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens, Side

The good effect of the Ionic capital is really only produced by the front-view. It seems calculated…

The capital of the antæ and pilasters is without volutes, as is seen here. The shaft has no flutings; the base, on the other hand, is the same as in the columns, and is continued round the walls as a plinth.

Plan of Ionic Antæ Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens

The capital of the antæ and pilasters is without volutes, as is seen here. The shaft has no flutings;…

The capital of the antæ and pilasters is without volutes, as is seen here. The shaft has no flutings; the base, on the other hand, is the same as in the columns, and is continued round the walls as a plinth.

Ionic Antæ Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens

The capital of the antæ and pilasters is without volutes, as is seen here. The shaft has no flutings;…

The entablature resting on the columns has three parts: a plain architrave divided into two, or more generally three, bands, with a frieze resting on it that may be richly sculptural, and a cornice built up with dentils, with a corona and cyma molding to support the projecting roof.

Ionic Cornice from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Priene

The entablature resting on the columns has three parts: a plain architrave divided into two, or more…

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.…

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.…

Ante-fixae, the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan, or Greek temple, as spaced they take the place of the cymatium and form a cresting along the sides of the temple. The face of the ante-fixae was richly carved with the anthemion ornament.

Ante-fixae

Ante-fixae, the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan,…

Ante-fixae (from Latin antefigere, to fasten before), the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan, or Greek temple; as spaced they take the place of the cymatium and form a cresting along the sides of the temple. The face of the ante-fixae was richly carved with the anthemion ornament.

Ante-fixae

Ante-fixae (from Latin antefigere, to fasten before), the vertical blocks which terminate the covering…

Belonging to the time directly after Pericles is the Erechtheum. This is a double temple in the Ionic style, dedicated to Minerva Polias, and is situated on the Acropolis. It has a hexastyle Ionic prostyle. A low building adjoins it, behind which is the shrine of the Nymph Pandrosos.

Erechtheum with the Pandrosium

Belonging to the time directly after Pericles is the Erechtheum. This is a double temple in the Ionic…

The Roman Leaf Festoon was hung as a decoration on the friezes of temples, alternating with the real skulls of slaughtered sacrificial animals.

Roman Leaf Festoon

The Roman Leaf Festoon was hung as a decoration on the friezes of temples, alternating with the real…

The temple of Jupiter torus moulding is found in Rome, Italy. It is a design of a rod that is covered with foliage.

Temple of Jupiter Torus Moulding

The temple of Jupiter torus moulding is found in Rome, Italy. It is a design of a rod that is covered…

The colossal egg-and-leaf moulding is found in the temple of Jupiter Tonans, Rome.

Colossal Egg-and-Leaf Moulding

The colossal egg-and-leaf moulding is found in the temple of Jupiter Tonans, Rome.

The leaf enrichment moulding is a design found in Erechtheum, Athens an ancient Greek Temple.

Leaf Enrichment Moulding

The leaf enrichment moulding is a design found in Erechtheum, Athens an ancient Greek Temple.

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…

The Roman antefix is is found in the temple of Jupiter Stator in Rome, Italy. This design is found on the lower roof line in front of the imbrices (overlapping roof tiles).

Roman Antefix

The Roman antefix is is found in the temple of Jupiter Stator in Rome, Italy. This design is found on…

This Roman base is found in the Temple of Concord in Rome, Italy. It is a natural method of decoration, where a row of artificial leaves encircle the shaft.

Roman Base

This Roman base is found in the Temple of Concord in Rome, Italy. It is a natural method of decoration,…

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…