http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture Discover the beauty of Greek architecture across Europe from temples to amphitheatres. en Copyright 2013, History.com Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-05-23T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo1 Rising 500 feet above sea level, the Acropolis in Athens showcases some of the finest examples of Greek architecture. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo2 Completed in the middle of the 5th century BCE, the Parthenon is the centerpiece of the Acropolis and is often regarded as the masterpiece of the Doric order of architecture. Its name refers to Athena Parthenos, or "Athena the Virgin." http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo3 Built between 421-406 BCE on the Acropolis at Athens, this temple to Athena is of the Ionic order of architecture. It is best known for the carefully sculpted column figures ("caryatids") supporting its porch area. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo4 Finished in 424 BCE, this Ionic temple resides above Athens on the Acropolis. Nike means "victory" in Greek. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo5 The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is an example of the Corinthian order of architecture. Begun in the 2nd century BCE, it took almost 700 years to finish. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo6 Considered by ancient Greeks as the center of the world, Delphi was home to the prophetic oracle of Apollo. Seen here is the sanctuary of Athena. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo7 The amphitheater at Epidaurus in Greece was built in the 4th century BCE and is known for its amazing acoustics. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo8 Located in one of the most important cities in the Ancient Greek empire, the amphitheater in Ephesus, Turkey, shows the widespread influence of Ancient Greek architecture. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo9 The Italian city of Segesta was strongly allied with Athens during the 5th century BCE. Its amphitheater demonstrates a profound Greek influence. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo9 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo10 The ancient city of Paestum, founded by Greek colonists around the 6th century BCE. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo10 http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo11 The Temple of Neptune (c. 460 BCE) is the best preserved of the three Doric temples in Paestum, Italy. http://www.history.com/photos/greek-architecture/photo11