What do you call a Greek pillar?
When we talk about a "Greek pillar," we're usually referring to what ancient Greeks called an "entablature" or more specifically, a component of a larger architectural system. However, the term "pillar" itself is a bit broad. In the context of ancient Greek architecture, these vertical structural elements are primarily identified by their specific architectural order. So, to answer your question most accurately, you'd typically call it a column, and the type of column depends on its style and purpose.
Ancient Greek architecture is renowned for its elegant and systematic approach to building, and the column is perhaps its most iconic feature. These weren't just plain supports; they were carefully designed and decorated elements that contributed significantly to the aesthetic and structural integrity of temples and other public buildings. The Greeks developed distinct styles, known as the Orders, which dictate the form and decoration of their columns and the entire entablature system above them.
The Three Main Greek Orders
There are three primary architectural orders developed by the ancient Greeks, each with its own characteristic column type:
1. The Doric Order
The Doric order is the oldest and simplest of the Greek orders. It's characterized by its sturdy, unadorned column with a plain capital (the top part). Doric columns often sit directly on the stylobate (the temple platform) without a base. They are generally thicker and more powerful in appearance.
- Shaft: Usually fluted (grooved) with 20 shallow, sharp-edged flutes.
- Capital: Consists of a simple, plain echinus (a cushion-like molding) and an abacus (a square slab).
- Entablature: Features a frieze composed of alternating triglyphs (vertical bands with three grooves) and metopes (square panels that could be decorated with relief sculpture).
You can think of the Doric order as the foundational style, representing strength and simplicity.
2. The Ionic Order
The Ionic order is more slender and elegant than the Doric. Its most distinguishing feature is the volute, or scroll-like ornament, on its capital. Ionic columns typically have a base.
- Shaft: Fluted with 24 deeper, more rounded flutes separated by fillets (flat strips).
- Capital: Characterized by prominent volutes or scrolls, giving it a distinctive, somewhat ornate appearance.
- Entablature: Features an architrave (a plain, unadorned beam), a frieze that is often continuous and decorated with sculpture, and a cornice.
The Ionic order conveys a sense of grace and sophistication, often associated with more refined structures.
3. The Corinthian Order
The Corinthian order is the most ornate and decorative of the three. Its capital is distinguished by the elaborate use of acanthus leaves and small volutes. Like the Ionic, Corinthian columns usually have a base.
- Shaft: Similar to the Ionic, typically fluted.
- Capital: The most striking feature, decorated with two rows of acanthus leaves and four small volutes near the center.
- Entablature: Similar to the Ionic, with an architrave, a continuous frieze, and a cornice.
The Corinthian order was developed later and became popular for its opulent beauty, often used in grander buildings and later adopted by the Romans.
Beyond the Orders: Terminology and Function
While the orders are the primary way to classify Greek columns, there are other related terms:
- Column: The general term for a vertical shaft, usually circular in section, used as a support or as an ornament.
- Pillar: A broader term, often used for a freestanding upright support, which can be made of stone, wood, or metal. In common language, it's often interchangeable with "column."
- Anta: A pilaster-like projection at the end of a wall, often paired with columns.
- Pilaster: A flattened column attached to a wall, serving a decorative rather than a structural purpose, though it often mimics the style of a full column.
The primary function of a Greek pillar, or column, was structural: to support the weight of the roof and the entablature. However, their aesthetic role was equally important. The proportions, fluting, capitals, and spacing of columns were meticulously calculated to create visually pleasing and harmonious structures. The visual weight and rhythm of columns contributed to the overall grandeur and balance of Greek temples.
"The column is the most fundamental element of Greek architecture, embodying both strength and beauty. The choice of order reflects the intended character and purpose of the building."
When you see a classic Greek building like the Parthenon, you're witnessing the masterful application of these architectural principles. The enduring legacy of Greek architecture lies in its clarity, proportion, and the enduring beauty of its forms, with the column standing as its most recognizable symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How did the Greeks decide which order to use for their buildings?
A: The choice of order often depended on the desired effect and the function of the building. Doric was favored for its strength and simplicity, often used in temples dedicated to powerful gods. Ionic was chosen for its elegance and grace, suitable for temples of deities associated with more refined aspects. Corinthian, being the most ornate, was often reserved for very important or grand structures, and later became a favorite for Roman temples and public buildings.
Q: Were all Greek columns made of stone?
A: While most surviving Greek architecture features stone columns (primarily marble), early Greek structures might have used wood. However, the classical period we most associate with these distinct orders primarily utilized stone, which allowed for greater permanence and elaborate carving.
Q: Why did the Greeks use fluting on their columns?
A: The fluting served both structural and aesthetic purposes. Structurally, it helped reduce the visual weight of the column, making it appear less massive and more slender. Aesthetically, the vertical lines of the flutes drew the eye upward and created a play of light and shadow, enhancing the visual appeal and perceived height of the column.
Q: What is the difference between a column and a pillar in modern usage?
A: In modern English, "pillar" is a more general term for any upright support, which could be made of various materials and have different shapes. "Column" is often used for a cylindrical or polygonal vertical support, especially in architecture, and often implies a more refined or decorative function. In the context of ancient Greek architecture, "column" is the more precise term for the architectural elements of the Orders.
