GREEK TEMPLE Meaning and
Definition
-
A Greek temple refers to a type of religious, architectural structure found in ancient Greece. It is typically a sacred building specifically designed for the worship of Greek gods, serving as a focal point for religious activities and rituals. These temples are characterized by their distinctive architectural style, reflecting the Greek aesthetic and cultural values of harmony, proportion, and balance.
Greek temples are typically constructed on an elevated platform, known as a stylobate, with a set of steps leading up to the entrance. The temple itself consists of a cella, or naos, which is the innermost chamber where the statue of the deity is housed. This naos is surrounded by a colonnade of columns, usually of the Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian order, providing support to the entablature and roof. The entablature consists of the architrave, frieze, and cornice, often adorned with decorative sculptures and relief carvings.
These temples sought to achieve an idealized sense of order and divine beauty through their symmetrical design and use of mathematical proportions, emphasizing harmony and balance. They were built using local materials such as limestone or marble and were often painted with vibrant colors, which over time have eroded away.
Greek temples were not only religious structures but also served as a representation of the city-state's power, wealth, and cultural achievements. They became influential models for subsequent architectural styles, inspiring countless imitations and adaptations in different cultures throughout history.
Etymology of GREEK TEMPLE
The etymology of the word "Greek temple" can be broken down as follows:
1. Greek: The word "Greek" comes from the Late Latin term "Graecus", which ultimately traces its roots back to the ancient Greek term "Graikoi". The Greeks referred to themselves as "Hellenes", so "Greek" was a name given to them by the Romans. This term later expanded to describe anything related to Greece, including its architecture.
2. Temple: The word "temple" derives from the Latin term "templum", which originally referred to a piece of land designated for religious or prophetic use. The Latin term found its roots in the earlier Etruscan word "templum" and the Greek word "temenos", both carrying similar meanings.
