CLASSICAL CIVILIZATIONS

Greece and Rome both were significant areas of the world that are apart of Classical Civilizations. The two main civilizations of ancient Greece were the Mycenaeans and the Minoans. In Rome, they were greatly influenced by these Greek civilizations.

GREECE: MINOAN AND MYCENAEAN

Minoan

The Minoan civilization was located on the island of Crete. Their economy was greatly based on the sea, and they chose their urban centers based on inland valleys, tending to stay away from mountains, unlike the Mycenaeans. Because of the surrounding sea, they didn't need to build any fortresses or other protection. The most important structure of this island was the Palace of Knossos. It's organization was based on having lots of rooms, compared to big individual ones. Stairs and color were important elements of this palace, creating emphasis on the most significant rooms. Another aspect of architecture and design that the Minoans used were cornice and columns, used in both the interior and exteriors.

Besides just structures, the Minoans left behind plenty of fine pottery and also used metal and textiles in their time. In terms of furniture, the throne was a significant piece that we think was inspired by the chair from previous civilizations. This throne was made with alabaster, had no arms with a high back, and matched the features in the background of it, as we see in the image below.

Mycenaean

The Mycenaeans were centered on the mainland of Greece where they built citadels on tops of mountains as some of their main structures. They used cyclopean masonry, or big blocks of irregularly shaped stones, for the walls of their fortresses, with the purpose of being defensive.

The foundation of their architecture and design is the megaron. This is a columned porch structure in the shape of a U, with two decorative side walls. It is open to the sky, with a hearth in the middle.

Besides the palaces and citadels, the Mycenaean's most outstanding architecture were the beehive tombs. They used corbelled domes and had elongated entryways, or dromos (aka tholos). One specifically mentioned is the Treasury of Artreus:

CLASSICAL GREECE

The Greek community was very urban and used temples as their main focus in architecture and created an identity for their civilization. One specific temple highlighted was the Temple of Hera I, whose structure was abnormal because of it's columns. In want of making the space bigger, they placed columns in the very center of the space, creating an awkward layout.

Another important aspect of Classical Greece is their pottery. They used clay as their material and decorated them with pictures. They were extremely durable and lasted very long because of how easy they are to preserve. Specifically significant were their vases. They were painted with different themes and images that are up to any interpretation. 

Greece's most prominent piece of furniture is the Klismos chair, which is highlighted in multiple paintings. It has spread out legs, with a cushioned seat and a curved back, supporting the shape of a human body.

ROME

Roman architecture was very innovative and inventive due to the introduction of the arch, which was their main focus. This arch was used in many ways, shapes, and forms, and the Romans made them of a new material to the ancient civilizations: concrete.

My personal favorite piece of architecture from this chapter is the Pantheon. It's use of arches in it's dome shape and it's door ways is one of the best details of design I love about it. Arches are one of my favorite elements of design, and I loved learning that Rome was one of the first civilizations to really incorporate them into its architecture. I also love the facts that lighting was such an important factor in the Pantheon. I think lighting makes the biggest difference in any building, and really livens up the place. The Pantheon uses the oculus to really accentuate it's natural light.

The Romans used four specific painting styles in their art. These four styles are the following: painted stucco that mimics materials, imitation of architectural construction, sophisticated images of architecture that are almost inimitable, and a style that relates to the reign of Claudius.

Roman furniture was very similar to Greek style furniture, with the incorporation of tables, chairs, stools, and beds, just more elaborate and detailed. Specifically, the couch was highlighted among Roman culture.

CURRENT APPLICATIONS

 

Inspired by Greece's use of columns.

Inspired by Mycenaean mountaintop structures.

Inspired by Rome's use of arches.

ONE STEP FURTHER

Louis Sullivan is an architect known as the "father of skyscrapers." He was influenced by ancient Roman architecture, especially in how he used arches in his designs. Sullivan believed that buildings should be designed based on their purpose, which was similar to the way Romans built their structures. He used arches in many of his buildings, like the Wainwright Building in St. Louis. His arches weren’t just for support; they were also beautifully decorated, combining Roman ideas with his own style. Sullivan used Roman arches in his buildings and he mixed ancient and modern ideas in his work.