Persian and Greek Architecture

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the architecture of two ancient civilizations, the Persians and the Greeks. The paper examines the architecture of Pasargadae, the metropolis that became a dynastic symbol of power and reverence following the establishment of the great complex at Persepolis during the reign of Darius I between 521 and 486 B.C.E. The paper explores how the architectural styles of the Achaemenid period are comparable to those found in ancient Greece, especially during the Classical period. The paper details the structure of the Parthenon.

From the Paper:

"Architecturally, the buildings of Pasargadae were constructed at varying distances from each other with the major palaces built in a huge walled complex irrigated by water channels. The main palace of Cyrus could be entered through a monumental gateway with carvings of winged bulls on either side. Within this compound, two rectangular structures with columned porches and an immense internal area filled with more columns could be found, all composed of black and white limestone (Pope, 1965, 85). The reliefs which have remained suggests that the figures represented the apotropaic monsters of Assyrian origin; others included the heads of lions, horses and goats. Overall, the mud-brick walls were painted, possibly with diagonal stripes and spirals or red, blue and white."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hopper, Robert J. The Acropolis: The Most Important Example of Greek Architecture. New York: McMillan, 1971.
• O'Kane, Bernard. Studies in Persian Art and Architecture. Cairo Press, 1996.
• Pope, Arthur. Persian Architecture. London: Oxford University Press, 1969.
• ---. Persian Architecture: The Triumph of Form and Color. New York: George Braziller, 1965.
• Scranton, Robert L. Greek Architecture. New York: George Braziller, 1965.

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