Greek Temple Anatomy

Introduction

The Greek temple may be divided vertically into three parts: floor, columns, and entablature. Each of these parts may be divided into three again.

Floor

The temple floor, which is not affected by the temple's order, is traditionally comprised of three stepped layers.1

Columns

A column consists of a base, shaft and capital. The base may or may not rest on a plinth (a slab or pedestal). The shaft may be plain or fluted. The capital is the most distinctive feature of each order (see Classical Orders).

Entablature

The columns support the entablature, which consists of three layers: architrave (bottom), frieze (middle), and cornice (top).

The architrave, which may be plain or divided into steps, is separated from the frieze by a band of moulding. The frieze may be plain or sculpted. The cornice, which overhangs the lower levels, is edged with crown moulding (see Moulding) and may be embellished with corbels (triangular decorations that appear to support an overhang).2