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Arts and Architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome

7 important questions on Arts and Architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome

What does Furneaux Jordan think of Greek architecture?

He calls it structurally primitive, yet sophisticated. By this he means that it is a very simple design, but executed perfectly. He says that all of the Greek buildings were of the highest order, mainly because there aren't that much. He only discusses theatres and temples because nothing else is left. According to Jordan, this small number of kinds of buildings forced the Greeks to excel at them.

What does Furneaux Jordan think of Roman architecture?

The Romans viewed architecture primarily as a structure to enclose large spaces. Therefore, their engineering skills were great and allowed them to build vaults and arches. However, their visual skills lacked, compared to the Greeks. According to Jordan, they used way too many ornaments to cover up their lack of visual perfection.

According to Furneaux Jordan, what was the main limitation of Roman architecture?

They could not cover a rectangular space with a groin vault. They had to create tunnel vaults instead, which do not allow for open spaces and just look like tunnels. Only small windows could be cut in the side.

How did the Romans solve the problem of the tunnel vaults, according to Furneaux Jordan?

By intersecting to tunnel vaults to create a groin vault.

According to Furneaux Jordan, what was the essential problem of dome building that the Romans never solved?

They could not construct a circular dome over a square or rectangular space and they left the top of the dome open because they did not know how to finish it.

What is Furneaux Jordan's approach to architecture as a whole?

He claims architecture is the outcome of a society's needs, and different societies have different needs.

What does Furneaux Jordan say about Greek and Roman societies?

On one hand, the Greek society was inward-looking (only cared about itself) and very religiously oriented. Therefore, only their religious buildings were a medium for architecture. On the other hand, the Roman society was focussed strongly on what was outside its own domain. It was a large, imperial society and therefore the architecture had a very public character.

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Art History: The Impact of Antiquity

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Arts and Architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome

7 important questions on Arts and Architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome

What does Furneaux Jordan think of Greek architecture?

What does Furneaux Jordan think of Roman architecture?

According to Furneaux Jordan, what was the main limitation of Roman architecture?

How did the Romans solve the problem of the tunnel vaults, according to Furneaux Jordan?

According to Furneaux Jordan, what was the essential problem of dome building that the Romans never solved?

What is Furneaux Jordan's approach to architecture as a whole?

What does Furneaux Jordan say about Greek and Roman societies?

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