Striking Photos of Classical Greek Architecture

Ancient Greek ruins that survive today are among the most iconic landmarks in the world. Grand structures like the Acropolis in Athens are a testament to a culture defined by advancement and innovation, especially in art and architecture.

In the middle of 5th century B.C., Athenian general Pericles paid workers to build temples and other public buildings in the city of Athens. He believed the projects would help him win the support of the people by providing more jobs. The structures' design and flawless finish ensured ancient Greece's glorified place in history.

The temples were distinguished by their iconic columns, which were sculpted so they were broader in the middle than at the ends to allow the human eye to take in their grandeur. Each triangular roof included detailed molding featuring sculptures of the gods. Unlike most of today's places of worship, the temples of ancient Greece were actually rarely entered. Worshippers would mostly gather outside and only enter upon bringing offerings.

While we have a sense of what these monuments once looked like when viewing their remains, in ancient times when they retained their original colors and polish, they were undoubtedly even more striking.