It’s pretty difficult to define Greek and Roman architecture separately because each

civilization raised one after the other, but each style of architecture possesses certain

characteristics that set them apart from one another. For example, Greek architecture is

known for its three column designs namely Corinthian, Doric, and Ionic. Roman

architecture is known to follow in the footsteps of Greek architecture but their structures

are defined by the use of barrel and groin vaults with concrete hemispherical domes.

Let’s take a look at these two architectural styles separately.

Classic Greek Architecture

The Greek architectural designs are refined in terms of quality and structure, despite its

ancient background. For example, the Greeks built temples high up on the ground and

sculpted like entities to enhance the proportions of these gigantic buildings. There are

three styles of classical Greek architecture, or Orders, known as Corinthian Order, Doric

Order, and Ionic Order. These are featured in all of the ancient Greek architectures during

the prominent periods of Greek and have influenced other architectural styles throughout

the years.

The Doric Order is a structural design philosophy that includes echinus or circular

cushions rising from the top of the columns to the abacus that rests on the lintel. The

ancient columns are then defined by the FLUTING or cutting of grooves that run the

length of the entire column. 

 The Corinthian Order is similar to the Ionic Order and is a style that started out on the

proportions of ornate capitals. The capitals were said to be much deeper compared to

Ionic and Doric capitals, and they are shaped like a huge bowl or crater. Originally, the

Corinthian Order was used for internal designs, but it eventually made its way to being

used as external designs. Prominent structures that feature the Corinthian Order include

the Temple of Zeus Olympia and the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens.

Ironically, the Romans were the ones who made this Order very popular and they added

their own refinements and details to this architectural style.

The Ionic Order is something similar to the Doric Order in terms of using a curved

echinus but is more decorated. The echinus under the Ionic Order is surmounted with a

horizontal band that scrolls to either side and forms spirals or volutes, similar to what we

would find in a ram’s horn or the shell of a nautilus. The Ionic Order is distinguished

through the use of a horizontal spread of flat timber at the top of the column. These

columns have narrow flutes and bases with fillet or flat bands between them. The number

of flutes range between 20 and 44. The base of an Ionic Order contains two convex

mouldings called a torus. The Ionic Order is a dominant architectural style used in the

cities of Ionia, Aegean Islands, and Asia Minor.

Classic Roman architecture

Roman architecture was like the brainchild of the different orders of Ancient Greek

architecture. Apart from the architectural philosophies, Romans were able to understand

the different concepts like the use of hydraulics in the construction of arches. These

arches can be found in the eleven aqueducts found all over Rome and the Aqueduct of

Segovia. It is also present in bridges like the bridge at Merida. The arches designed by

the Romans included the use of concrete and bricks. Another distinguishing factor that

separated Roman architecture from Greek architecture is the use of a dome, which paved

the way for the creation of vaulted ceilings and large covered public spaces. The dome

was the central design of the Roman architecture and it can be seen in popular structures

like the Baths of Diocletian, Baths of Caracalla, and Hadrian’s Pantheon in Rome.

More innovations of ancient Roman architecture involved are the creation of housing and

public hygiene features like latrines, underfloor heating, piped water, and public and

private baths. Another dominant innovation is the construction of the insulae or multi-

floored apartment blocks that can cater to large scale accommodations and reach several

floors.

What separated the Romans from the Greeks in terms of their architectural designs was

the former’s use of concrete. This was a mixture of adhesive and crushed rock that starts

off as a liquid but would eventually harden as a solid. This innovative design made it

possible for the Romans to create structures in varying shapes, unlike the Greek’s design

limitation because of square and rectangular bricks. The Romans were able to make these

shapes because they poured concrete into moulds.

Out of the Roman architecture came two additional Greek designs named the Composite

and Tuscan. The Composite column is a combination of Ionic volutes in columns and

acanthus leaves used in Corinthian columns. The Tuscan is a relatively simple design with

rings around its top and base.

The evidence of both Roman and Greek architectural designs are found in the different

buildings and structures created throughout their empire’s period and beyond.