The Origins of Greek Temple Architecture

This first comprehensive study of pre-Archaic Greek temple architecture combines architecture, society, and material culture.

Alessandro Pierattini (Author)

9781108499477, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 September 2022

350 pages
25.9 x 18.2 x 2 cm, 0.85 kg

In this book, Alessandro Pierattini offers a comprehensive study of the evolution of pre-archaic Greek temple architecture from the eleventh to mid-seventh century BCE. Demystifying the formative stages of Greek architecture, he traces how temples were transformed from unassuming shrines made of perishable materials into large stone and terracotta monuments. Grounded in archaeological evidence, the volume analyzes the design, function, construction, and aesthetic of the Greek temple. While the book's primary focus is architectural, it also draws on non-architectural material culture, ancient cult practice, and social history, which also defined the context that fostered the Greek temple's initial development. In reconstituting this early history, Pierattini also draws attention to new developments as well as legacies from previous eras. Ultimately, he reveals why the temple's  pre-Archaic development is not only of interest in itself, but also a key to the origins of the Greek monumental architecture of the Archaic period.

Introduction
1. Origins and legacies. Early Iron Age temples and the question of function
2. The rise of monumental temples (eighth to mid-seventh centuries BC)
3. Technological innovation and permanence (first half of the seventh century)
4. Conclusion
Appendices: Appendix 1: wind force for destabilizing a mud brick wall
Appendix 2: labor for manufacturing a monolithic sarcophagus
Appendix 3: labor for stonework at Isthmia.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], History of architecture [AMX], Religious buildings [AMN], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]