GREEK CITY STATES

Monumental architecture can be used for many different purposes. They can be used for religion, entertainment, or decoration. Monumental architecture is architecture that is important to local culture. The purpose depends on the culture. Most monumental architecture change from their original purposes. Most eventually become museums or memorials. Others, such as religious centers, are converted. And others are destroyed by opposing armies.

One of the many forms of architecture that the Greeks used is the column. Columns were used as decorations, usually outside temples.

Another common form of Greek architecture is the temple. Temples were places of worship for the Greeks, and they were built to be grand, so to please the gods.

The most important Monumental Architecture of classical Greece is the Olympic Stadium.
It was built around 776 BCE

The purpose of the stadium was to host the Olympic Games. For peasants, it was the only form of entertainment they had.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE

During the rule of
Justinian I, many churches were built throughout Byzantine lands. They were built to religiously unite the empire.

Another form of architecture that the Byzantines were fond of were mosaics. Mosaics were representations of saints and other religious figures, and were used in religious ceremonies.

The most important Monumental Architecture in the Byzantine Empire is the Hagia Sophia. It was completed in 537 AD

Untitled Slide

The Greeks used their architecture for decoration, entertainment, and religion. The Byzantines used their architecture for religion as well. Although they both constructed temples, they are built differently. Greek temples were short and made of marble, while Byzantine churches were tall and bland on the outside.

CITATION

• Cartwright, Mark, "Greek Architecture", 6 January 2013, Web., 21 March 2014
• n.p., "Ancient Greece", 2014, Web., 21 March 2014
• n.p., "A Summery of Western Architecture" n.d., Web., 21 March 2014
• Brooks, Sarah, "Byzantium (ca. 330-1453)" October 2001, Web., 21 March 2014