India
Indian architecture can be said to be as old as the civilization it originated in. The most recognized achievements in Indian architecture would have to be the temples, Chaityas, Viharas, Stupas, and religious buildings among other things. Chaityas were also known as Prayer halls which are enclosed within Stupas. They showed distinct similarities to Roman columns and arch ways. Viharas were known as the staying quarters of the monks which were similar to apartments. Stupas were large mounds of Earth which enclosed religious relics, stupas could be classified into three different types: Sarika, Paribhojika, and lastly Uddeshika.
This is a picture of the Ellora Kailash temple which was carved out of rock and is filled with greatly detailed sculptures.
http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-architecture/
http://www.scribd.com/doc/23472778/CHAITYA-VIHARA-STUPA
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mkuram/4898696054/
http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-architecture/ancient-architecture/
This is a picture of the Ellora Kailash temple which was carved out of rock and is filled with greatly detailed sculptures.
http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-architecture/
http://www.scribd.com/doc/23472778/CHAITYA-VIHARA-STUPA
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mkuram/4898696054/
http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-architecture/ancient-architecture/
Greece
The Greeks are probably the most well known architects of the ancient world since their architecture is still used today. They would build structures such as temples and theaters. The Greeks used mathematics while building their structures with a ratio of 2:1. Greek structure used two types of decorative columns which were Doric and Ionic. Temples were ornate on the outside but on the inside they were very simple. These structures were built from wood in the beginning but then evolved into marble in order to make them more durable. At times both materials would be used.
Parthenon of Athens was built in mid 5th century in order to house a statue of Athena goddess wisdom. This was done to show of the success of Athens.
http://www.ancient.eu.com/Greek_Architecture/
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/parthenon-and-the-acropolis-landmark.htm
Parthenon of Athens was built in mid 5th century in order to house a statue of Athena goddess wisdom. This was done to show of the success of Athens.
http://www.ancient.eu.com/Greek_Architecture/
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/parthenon-and-the-acropolis-landmark.htm
Roman Empire
Roman Architecture was highly influenced by Greek architecture. Just like the Greeks the Romans used decorative columns while building their structures in order to support them. The Romans are mostly known for their long roads which connected their territories and their aqueducts used to transport water. The Romans would build their structures from a volcanic rock called tuff and limestone. They would also use marble like the Greeks to decorate their structures.
The Roman Colosseum was used for naval battles and gladiator fights. The Gladiators would go against wild animals, war prisoners, criminals, and slaves.
http://library.thinkquest.org/26907/archi.htm
http://www.bubblews.com/news/323101-interesting-facts-about-roman-architecture
http://powertripberkeley.com/roman-colosseum-architecture/
The Roman Colosseum was used for naval battles and gladiator fights. The Gladiators would go against wild animals, war prisoners, criminals, and slaves.
http://library.thinkquest.org/26907/archi.htm
http://www.bubblews.com/news/323101-interesting-facts-about-roman-architecture
http://powertripberkeley.com/roman-colosseum-architecture/
Mesoamerica
Mesoamerican architecture developed separately from other civilizations which made it develope a unique form of architecture. The Mesoamericans would build large but not very tall pyramids with stepped sides with temples on top. Only priests could go up to these hard to get to temples, each pyramid was made to worship certain deities. These pyramids were usually made from from stone.
This is a picture of "El Castillo" in Chichen Itza which shows the shadow of a serpent during the Spring Equinox.
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112511/architecture.htm
http://www.essential-humanities.net/world-art/mesoamerican/
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1533823/Mesoamerican-architecture
This is a picture of "El Castillo" in Chichen Itza which shows the shadow of a serpent during the Spring Equinox.
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112511/architecture.htm
http://www.essential-humanities.net/world-art/mesoamerican/
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1533823/Mesoamerican-architecture