History

• Ancient societies besides the Greeks that in engaged in architecture, the Persians and Egyptians, did not do so with balance, scale, and proportion in mind. These societies built grandiose structures that dwarfed humans in both proportion and scale. The Greeks were the first to build symmetrical buildings that did not completely overshadow the size of humans.
  
  

Identification

• While Greek architecture does have its distinct sub-divisions, the basic structure of all is very similar. Greek buildings are usually a large rectangle or cube bolstered by large decorated columns in the front of the building.
  
  

Types

• The three orders of Greek architecture are Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian. The Ionic style came from eastern Greece and emphasises simplicity and balance. The Doric style is the oldest of Greek architecture styles and appears in some of Greece's most famous buildings. The Corinthian style is the youngest of the three and was mainly expanded upon by the Romans. All three incorporate balance, proportion, and scale.