The Elegance of Classical Columns at The Acropolis

Ancient Greek columns stand as marvels of architectural design, combining structural necessity with aesthetic beauty. Their proportions and details showcase mathematical precision while creating the visual impression of strength and solemnity throughout the Acropolis.

Classical Doric Order Columns

The Doric order represents the oldest and simplest columnar style found on the Acropolis. These sturdily proportioned columns rise directly from the stylobate (floor platform) without a base, suggesting an almost organic relationship to their foundation and to the natural rock below that. They feature a shaft with 20 shallow and equal concavities carved into its entire length.  These “flutes” come together at sharp ridges: a detail that differentiates the Greek Doric columnar order from the Roman Doric, which flutes are joined by thin flat areas called fillets.  Miraculously, the width of each flute diminishes slightly with the overall shaft as it gets narrower toward the top (entasis). However, the width of each flute remains equal to the others at any particular height.  Each column concludes with a capital that begins with a series of bands carved into the shaft signifying the uppermost area of the shaft called the necking.  The capital itself consists of a simple cushion-like projection called the echinus, topped by a square hat called the abacus.  THe edge of the stone structure above and being carried by the columns does not however align with the edge of the abacus, but rather with the edge of the shaft below, placing the actual and visual weight of the structure over the shaft where it will be directly supported.

The Doric order used in the Parthenon is one of the more slender Dorics employed by Greek artisans.  Indeed, there was much more variation in the proportions of the Greek Doric than the much more controlled proportions of the Roman Doric, however earlier Greek Doric columns generally had a lower height to diameter ratio.  These columns stand approximately 34 feet tall, which comes out to five and a half diameters.  The Roman Doric on the other hand, rarely strayed far from a height to diameter ratio of 8:1.

Ionic and Corinthian Variations

Ionic columns introduced greater elegance to the Acropolis architecture. Unlike their Doric counterparts, Ionic columns feature decorative bases and more slender proportions.

The defining characteristic of Ionic columns is their distinctive capital adorned with volutes—spiral scrolls on each side. The Ionic order can be found both within the Erechthion and the Propylaea.

Corinthian columns are the least common on the Acropolis. Their capitals feature intricate acanthus leaves arranged in rows, topped by angular volutes which are much smaller than their Ionic cousins. This highly luxurious style created a sense of opulence and sophistication.  Though the only extant Corinthian columns on the site can be found at the ruins of the Thrasyllos monument, it is possible that they were originally more wide-spread.

Columns at The Acropolis

Column Construction Elements and Features

The shaft of each column at the Parthenon was constructed in drum-shaped sections (tambours) stacked and joined precisely with metal dowels.  Though the original metal has long since rusted away, many casual observers are surprised to know that Greek builders here used a strikingly similar version of metal reinforcement in their construction to what we would use today in similar applications.  The only difference is that Greeks did not have the ability or know how to produce rust resistant and stronger steel, so they relied on simpler and more rust prone sand-cast Iron ores.

The marble columns showcase remarkable craftsmanship. Workers achieved nearly invisible joints between tambours through anathyrosis—a technique where only the edges touch perfectly while leaving a slight hollow in the center.