A Peripteral Temple is a type of Greek temple architecture that features a rectangular floor plan and a colonnade of columns surrounding the entire building. It is a distinctive architectural style that was popular in ancient Greece and Rome, and was used for a variety of religious and civic buildings. The columns of a Peripteral Temple are typically fluted and may be made of stone or wood. They support a continuous platform called a stylobate, which in turn supports the entablature, the decorative element that sits atop the columns and defines the temple's appearance. The Peripteral Temple is a significant architectural achievement that reflects the advanced engineering and design capabilities of the ancient Greeks. The use of columns and entablatures allowed for a greater sense of height and grandeur in temple design, while the rectangular floor plan provided ample space for religious rituals and ceremonies. The Peripteral Temple also allowed for greater interaction between the temple and its surroundings, as the colonnade created a covered walkway that could be used by visitors and worshippers. One of the most famous examples of a Peripteral Temple is the Parthenon in Athens, which was built in the 5th century BCE. The Parthenon features a double row of columns on each side, which creates a sense of depth and perspective. The temple also includes a pediment at each end, which is decorated with sculptural reliefs that depict scenes from Greek mythology. The Parthenon is a testament to the skill and creativity of ancient Greek architects and artists, and remains one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
Greek temple architecture, colonnade, entablature, stylobate, religious rituals
The Peripteral Temple is a type of building, found in Greek and Roman architecture, that consists of a rectangular, raised platform surrounded by columns. The columns, or peripteros, are often in a single row and are made of stone, marble, or wood. The columns are connected to a wall that encloses the platform. This type of temple typically includes a pediment at the entrance, and the columns may be decorated with sculptures or reliefs. The Peripteral Temple is a popular architectural design for temples, and can be found in many ancient cities.
Architecture, Columns, Platform, Pediment, Sculptures.
Peripteral temples are a type of Greek temple architecture with a rectangular floor plan and a colonnade of columns surrounding the entire building. The columns typically consist of a single row on each side, but may have multiple rows depending on the size of the temple. The columns are typically fluted, and are either made of stone or of wood. Each column supports a stylobate, which is a continuous platform that allows for the support of the entablature, the architectural elements such as the architrave and the pediment that sit atop the columns. The entablature is a defining feature of the peripteral temple, as it is the decorative element that sets the temple apart from other temples in the region.
Columns, stylobate, entablature, Greek, architecture, temple.
CITATION : "Shelly Stone. 'Peripteral Temple.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=234721 (Accessed on June 27, 2025)"
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