Main Feature 2: Columns
Columns were one of the main features of Roman Architecture that were used in many different ways. Although the architectural feature was influenced by The Greeks, the Romans improved and modified the Ancient Greeks’ columns based on their needs. In Ancient Roman Architecture there were 5 columns, whereas The Ancient Greeks had only three: the Doric, the Ionic and the Corinthian.
The Tuscan order: The Tuscan Order is the most simplest with no decoration. There are no grooves throughout its length.
Roman Doric Order: The Roman Doric order has its own base and has grooves throughout its length (fluted). The shaft is the grooved part and the rest of the column is called the capital. In the Roman Doric Order the capital is ornamented.
Roman Ionic order: In the Roman Ionic order there are four slanting volutes which make the order very recognisable, and the block on top of the capital has curved sides.
Corinthian order: The
Corinthian order is very intricate and its capital is decorated with acanthus
leaves. Its capital’s formation is an
upside down bell and the Corinthian capital order has been changed many times
due to different artistic tastes. Therefore, it is said that the Romans made
about 50 different versions of the Corinthian capital.
The Composite order: The Composite order did not derive from the Greek columns and is one that incorporates features from all orders. It is adorned with leaves just like those in the Corinthian and has spirals which are used in the Ionic.