Greek and Roman Architecture in America

When you really think about it, so much of our architecture today comes from Ancient Greece and Rome. Everywhere you look there are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns. Below I have included pictures of two houses very close to mine on my street. In only these two houses, the influence of Ionic and Corinthian columns in our culture today is very evident. A house a few to the right (not pictured below) has Doric columns. I'm sure houses in all of y'all's neighborhoods include these types of columns too. Another major contribution that Greek/Roman architecture has made to our society today is the prevalence of the arch, which is mainly from Rome. Arches, whether they are built for looks (as in making an entrance pretty) or for structural support of constructions like bridges, they play a major role in architecture today. Not only do we see lasting effects of concrete items of Greek architecture in America, but we also recognize Greek concepts of architecture. For example, the idea of a physical monument built for recognition or honor of a specific event or person started in Ancient Greece. Think of all the statues and friezes that were created in order to honor gods and kings. Today, this idea still stands. I think the best place for an example of this concept in America is Washington D.C., where an extensive number of monuments exist in order to honor past presidents, generals, wars, etc. Overall, I think without the influence of Greek and Roman architecture in America and around the entire world, many buildings and structures would not be the way they are today.

Corinthian 

Ionic