Classical Greek architecture was in existence for only a short time while elements of its form have been exported all over the world. First, by the Macedonians and Alexander the Great, and then the Roman empire later. In the mid 1800’s Greek revival architecture became popular in the United States and Northern Europe. In Regensburg, Germany, Leo von Klenze’s designed Walhalla, a monumental Greek styled temple named after the mythical home of the Norse gods and depicting the history of the German peoples. Why do you think the Greek style continued to be reinvented for to promote different cultures and values?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In its heyday, Classical Greek architecture was some of the most revered and beautiful pieces of architectural significance on earth. However, it only stayed predominant for a short period of time, and quickly became extinct. Nevertheless, throughout the ages the Greek architecture has risen again in the Greek Revival which really affected the United States and Northern Europe. The Classical Greek architecture was a direct effect from the hellenistic period, which was between the death of Alexander the Great and the rise of the Roman Empire. Greek Classical Architecture is in fact described as the last of the Neoclassical architecture. Greek style was reinvented because it promoted culture and values through its ability to become that which was needed by each society. The Doric and Ionic orders were found by archeologist all over foreign countries in northern Europe; this is in direct effect of Classic Greek Architectures ability to be able to express a nation through its own nationalism, while still maintain the Classical Greek Architectural wonders. In Germany and United States this architecture had the greatest and most profound effect. In pre-civil war are United States, the country was thought of to be mainly elite owned, and therefore classical Greek work really helped free the people from this aristocratic thought which was also very prevalent in Germany.