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