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Classical Art encompasses the cultures of Greece and Rome and endures as the cornerstone of Western civilization. Including innovations in painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and architecture, Classical Art pursued ideals of beauty, harmony, and proportion, even as those ideals shifted and changed over the centuries.
Learn how Roman and Greek architecture differ in art styles, techniques, materials, elements, function, and urban planning. Explore iconic buildings of both styles and their impact on Western architectural heritage.
Greek temples and Roman architecture both share a focus on grandeur and symmetry, but they differ in their design and purpose. Greek temples are characterized by their simple, elegant columns and pediments, often dedicated to a specific deity and used for religious ceremonies.
Learn about the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, especially the column and pediment, the orders, and the Pantheon. Explore the influence of classical architecture on later periods and styles.
Ancient Roman architecture adopted the external language of classical ancient Greek architecture for the purposes of the ancient Romans, but was different from Greek buildings, becoming a new architectural style. The two styles are often considered one body of classical architecture.
Ancient Greek architecture of the most formal type, for temples and other public buildings, is divided stylistically into three Classical orders, first described by the Roman architectural writer Vitruvius.
The British Museum has an especially important collection of architecture and architectural sculpture from ancient Greek buildings. Fragments of buildings on display in Room 77 include the earlier and later temples of Artemis at Ephesos, the Propylaea (gateway), Erechtheum and Nike temple from the Acropolis of Athens, the temple of Apollo at ...
