Types of Greek Architectural Columns
Columns are architectural components used to provide structural support to roofs, ceilings and other building elements. In addition to their practical function, they are also considered an aesthetic addition to a building's architecture. Most columns consist of three parts, a base, shaft and capital (top section). The ancient Greeks are known for developing a series of column styles, or orders, which are still widely used today.
Doric
Doric columns were developed on the Greek mainland during the seventh century BC. This style of column is found on buildings such as the Parthenon and Hephaisteion in Athens. Doric order columns are the most basic of the Greek designs, and feature a plain shaft divided into twenty separate sides, or flutes. The capital is smooth and circular, and the column has no base. Doric columns are the shortest of all Greek designs, and are usually less than eight times as tall as they are wide.
Ionic
Ionic columns were first used in the eastern part of Greece during the fourth century BC. They are slightly more ornate than Doric designs, and feature 24 flutes around their diameter. Ionic columns are nine times as tall as they are wide, making them appear taller and thinner than previous designs. They have a rounded base and a capital featuring a series of scrolls. Ionic columns have a bulge within their shaft known as an entasis. This bulge helps the column appear straight and makes the shaft appear to be the same diameter along its length.
Corinthian
The use of Corinthian columns began around the end of the fourth century BC. This style is the most ornate and intricate of all Greek columns. It is ten times as tall as it is wide, making it appear much more slender than Doric or Ionic columns. Corinthian shafts have 24 flutes and an ornately decorated capital. The most common capital design features several rows of leaves combined with a series of scrolls. Corinthian columns were used at the Temple of Sybil in Rome.
Tuscan
When the Roman empire became the dominant power in Europe, the Romans recognized the style and strength of the Greek columns and used these columns in their construction work. The Romans modified the Greek Doric design into a column that is known today as the Tuscan order. It has identical proportions to Doric columns, but has no flutes. A plain square base was added, and the capital was changed from round to square.
Composite
The composite column was created by the Romans as a blend of the Greek Ionic and Corinthian styles. It is ten times as tall as it is wide, similar to the Corinthian column, and can have any number of flutes along its shaft. These columns have intricate capitals featuring leaves, scrolls and spirals. Composite columns were the first to use "egg and dart" molding within the design of the capital. This composite design was used on the Arch of Titus at the Roman Forum.
