Ancient Greek Orders

The Greeks built most of their temples and government buildings in three types of styles: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. These styles (also called "orders") were reflected in the type of columns they used.

Doric columns were the most simple and the thickest of the Greek styles. They had no decoration at the base and a simple capital at the top. Doric columns tapered so they were wider on the bottom than at the top.

Ionic columns were thinner than the Doric and had a base at the bottom. The capital at the top was decorated with scrolls on each side.

Corinthian - The most decorative of the three orders was the Corinthian. The capital was decorated with scrolls and the leaves of the acanthus plant. The Corinthian order became popular in the later era of Greece and also was heavily copied by the Romans.