Evolution of Greek Temple Design

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

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The creation of temples was an important development in Greek religion. These temples were special buildings designed not only for sacred rituals, but also as a sacred space separate from the rest of the polis. Belonging to the entire community rather than any one person or family, it became the abode of a deity with whom people entered into a social, political, and personal relationship.

The above diagrams depict one scholar's ideas about the possible development of Greek temple design. We do know, however, that the earliest architectural examples of what eventually became the Greek temple can be found in ancient Mycenae. There the megaron, or central palace, is constructed in a manner very similar to Greek temples. Whether the above designs preceded the Mycenaean megaron is unknown.

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