Dewey Decimal726.1208
SynopsisThis is an illustrated survey of all Greek temples in one volume. From the debated origins of the temple in the Greek dark ages to its transformation at the end of antiquity, this book summarizes the latest thinking, bringing to light new discoveries, and placing emphasis on the architecture and its cultural, historical context., A spectacularly illustrated and complete survey of ancient Greek temples, combined with an up-to-date archaeological and historical introduction. The great colonnaded temples of the ancient Greeks are the most impressive of all the monuments left behind by Greek civilization. As feats of design and construction they have never been surpassed, and the best-preserved examples--such as the Parthenon in Athens--still excite wonder and admiration. Once there were hundreds of these glorious structures, dotted around the Mediterranean wherever the ancient Greeks settled and founded cities. No less than steeples or minarets today, they were instantly identifiable icons of an ancient religion and a way of life. This book is the first to tell the complete story, with hundreds of accompanying illustrations, from their debated origins in the Greek dark ages to their transformation at the end of antiquity. It also includes for the first time in English a gazetteer of all the known colonnaded temples of the ancient Greeks. Summarizing the latest thinking on Greek temples, Tony Spawforth brings new discoveries to light and discusses not only the architecture but also the historical and cultural context of these unique buildings. The result is an authoritative source book and a compelling guide for scholars, students, and travelers, and for anyone with a desire to know more about the ancient world. 350 illustrations, 130 in color., A spectacularly illustrated and complete survey of ancient Greek temples combines with an up-to-date archaeological and historical introduction to tell the complete story from their debated origins in the Greek dark ages to their transformation at the end of antiquity. 350 illustrations, 130 in color., This is the first complete, fully illustrated survey of Greek temples ever compiled in one volume. From the debated origins of the temple in the Greek dark ages to its transformation at the end of antiquity, this book summarizes the latest thinking, bringing to light new discoveries, and placing emphasis not only on the architecture but also its cultural and historical context. Written by a leading authority and profusely illustrated with photographs, maps, plans and reconstruction drawings, this is both an inspiring survey for tourists and travellers and an essential work of reference for all those interested in the monuments of our classical past.