Pillars and Domes – Architectural elements

Before the Romans, all buildings in the ancient world were rectangular or square-shaped. Look at the picture of the ancient Greek temple called the Parthenon. This structure has 46 outer pillars and 23 inner pillars. The majestic pillars that are
associated with Greek architecture were not there to just look pretty. The pillars of the Parthenon were there to hold up, or support the heavy marble roof that used to be on the top of this massive structure.

The Parthenon

There are many amazing architectural corinthian, doric, and ionic columns and ancient Egyptian obelisks in Rome, where most of them were erected to the glory of the emperors. The most famous Roman pillars were created in the centuries of the rule of Marcus Aurelius, Trajan, and other significant historical figures.

Ancient pillars in Rome.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Rome.

Advancements in mathematics, materials, and production techniques since that time resulted in new dome types. A dome is an architectural element that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. Domes have a long architectural lineage that extends back into prehistory and they have been constructed from mud, snow, stone, wood, brick, concrete, metal, glass, and plastic over the centuries. The symbolism associated with domes includes mortuary, celestial, and governmental traditions that have likewise developed over time.

Domes have been found from early Mesopotamia, which may explain the form’s spread. They are found in Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Chinese architecture in the Ancient world, as well as among a number of contemporary indigenous building traditions. Dome structures were popular in Byzantine and medieval Islamic architecture, and there are numerous examples from Western Europe in the Middle Ages. The Renaissance architectural style spread from Italy in the Early modern period.

Berlin Cathedral church

The French church in Berlin

These are for last week’s Lens-Artists-Photo-Challenge: Architecture.