Ancient Greece was one of the most significant and influential civilizations across the globe. Its contributions to the development of social relationships, education, medicine, science, and literature have a profound impact on modern culture. In this essay, attention will be paid to such a crucial element of Greek civilization as architecture and the possibility to create unique physical environments as a part of people’s culture. The legacy of ancient Greece is in its architectural style, including glorious columns and pediments that symbolize power and balance. Today, the elements of Greek architecture may be observed in many American buildings, proving its role in understanding ancient and modern cultures, human interests, and social interconnection.
Ancient Greeks were known for their finest and strongest buildings characterized by simplicity and harmony, which explains modern culture’s origins in this civilization. When people think about Greek architecture, massive constructions supported by columns and marble come to their imagination. The architecture of that period was closely related to religious beliefs, social changes, and political orders. Although ancient Greeks lived centuries ago, the analysis of their architectural achievements allows learning their styles and possibilities. During the Archaic period from 750 to 480 BCE, Greek lives underwent considerable changes due to the growth of statehood importance, civilization, and law (Waterfield 25).
Small houses within limited areas prove the emigration of Greeks because of possible poverty-related issues and the desire to improve their living quality. New settlements and the concept of citizenship required the creation of public spaces for meetings and events (Waterfield 34). Regarding the power of religion in Greek society, most architectural structures were designed to underline the role of gods. The ruins of the Parthenon and the Erechtheum reveal major characteristics of Greek architecture, namely tall symmetric columns and pediments.
The connection between ancient Greek architecture and modern culture in the United States is evident because of the presence of similar constructions and continuous use of terms that originated from that civilization. For example, in architecture, the concept of order is commonly used today. Despite centuries dividing ancient Greek and modern civilizations, such elements as cornices, reliefs, pediments, and triglyphs are never forgotten. There are also five major orders modern architects prefer to consider while designing their buildings, and three of them (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) originated from Greece.
Most Doric contrusctions were made of sand with short but massive columns, while Ionic columns were thin but improved by fluted elements. The frequency of decoration continued to grow with time, which can be noticed in the Corinthian order. Many Greek temples were created in accordance with the colonnade style, where large statues of deities were placed, underlying the greatness of gods and the negligibility of humans (Waterfield 133). Today, the same elements are implemented in designs with respect to recent technological achievements, personal preferences, and public expectations.
Observing the sights that best represent the magnificence of American culture, one should mention several buildings based on ancient Greek architecture. The Supreme Court, the Capitol in Virginia, and the New York Stock Exchange are examples inspired by classical Greece. The Lincoln Memorial, located in Washington, DC, is the brightest example of the Doric order that is often compared to the Parthenon. Greeks created the Parthenon to honor Athena, while Americans built the memorial dedicated to their 16th President, who symbolized liberty and the struggle for civil rights. In other words, the Americans took the sincerest purpose of architecture from the Greeks.
The US Capitol was also designed in the ancient Greek colonnade style. Outside, the construction is protected by a number of columns and a pediment that embodies the idea of American democracy. Inside, there is the Hall of Columns that honors remarkable figures in American history. All these architectural decisions were affected by ancient Greek civilization in some way, proving the worth of religion, politics, and societal development.
Modern individuals are able to understand why their past experiences should never be neglected. A single tour in the Capitol is a unique chance to feel the connection between what Americans have already done and what must be done. The building becomes a solid historical background for the modern culture that supports and motivates citizens. There are many reasons why people remember and learn about ancient Greece, and its architecture is the element for consideration.
The richness and meaning of ancient Greek architecture explain the influence of this civilization on modern culture. Greeks created large constructions and followed the rules of symmetry and order to demonstrate their respect for gods and religion.
In the United States, most buildings that have the characteristics of Greek styles are for administrative and political purposes, proving the power of law and the government in the country. The colonnade order is a classic approach in modern architecture, and its roots are traced back to the ancient Greek civilization. This connection implies sharing achievements, respecting the past, and remembering that there is always some supreme power that motivates and enhances equality for humankind.
Work Cited
Waterfield, Robin. Creators, Conquerors, and Citizens: A History of Ancient Greece. Oxford University Press, 2018.