The Greek Orders - Architecture

Metope

A section in the Doric frieze where a narrative image was carved

Pronaos

Front porch in a classical Greek temple, where sacrifices were offered to the god

Entablature

In a post and lintel construction, entablature is the combination of the horizontal elements above the columns

Peristyle

in classical architecture, a colonnade all around the cella and its porch(es)

Echinus

A cushion-like circular element found below the abacus of a Doric capital.

Volute

A spiral scroll, as seen on an ionic capital.

Column

Architectural element used for support and or decoration. Consists of a rounded vertical shaft placed on a base topped by a decorative capital.

Abacus

Flat slab at the top of a capital, directly under the entablature.

Triglyph

Rectangular blocks with three carved vertical grooves, between the metopes of a Doric Frieze.

Architrave

The bottom element of the entablature, beneath the frieze.

Base

The bottom of column

Frieze

The middle ornamental band on the entablature. Ancient Greeks carved narrative scenes in the frieze. The narrative could continuous, or it could be divided by triglyphs.

Doric Column

The oldest and simplest of the three main orders of classical Greek architecture, characterized by heavy fluted columns with plain, saucer-shaped capitals and no base.

Naos

The principal enclosed area of a Greek temple, containing the cult statue of god or goddess.

Ionic Column

The second ancient Greek architectural order. The body of the column is more slender than the Doric. The Doric echinus in the capital was replaced by "volutes"

Stereobate

The series of steps that form a platform for greek temples.

Stylobate

The uppermost course of the platform, or slab of a classical Greek temple, which supports the columns

Cornice

The uppermost section of a classical entablature.

Pediment

Triangular plane placed above the horizontal structure of the entablature.

Flute

Vertical carved ridges on classical columns