Department of Architecture

College of Environmental Design

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Module 6: Greek Architecture

 

Civic architecture

INTRODUCTION

During the Hellenistic period Greeks became very fascinated by civic buildings. Treatments once reserved for temples and the gods, were gradually extended to civic and government buildings. The Agora or market place also became very important in Greek cities. The theater and council chamber are examples of civic buildings found in every Greek city.

 

THEATERS-Theater Epidaurus

The Greeks invented the theater design that is still used in movies and auditoriums today. Every important Greek city had a theater. Their theater was built into a hilly landscape. The theater had a bank of seats steps created from the landscape. It would usually commands a view to the landscape. The image shown is of theater Epidaurus. This was the largest theater in ancient Greece. It is still in use today

 

COUNCIL CHAMBERS-Bouleteron Miletus

The Bouleterion is where the Boule or council of the city state met. It was a covered chamber fitted with banks of seats like a theater. The example shown is from the city of Miletus. Similar buildings were found in every Greek or Hellenistic city