Evolution of Architectural Styles | History of Architecture

World Architectural Styles

Earlier we discussed the following Architectural Styles:

Egyptian Architecture (3000BC – 100AD)

West Asiatic Architecture (2500BC – 600BC)

Indian Architecture (500BC to present day)

Chinese Architecture (3rd century BC to the present day)

Japanese Architecture (6th century AD to the present day)

Greek Architecture (650BC to 30BC)

 

Let us now move on with a brief discussion on Roman Architecture, Early Christian Architecture and Byzantine Architecture…

Roman Architecture (300BC to 365AD) (Preceded by Etruscans)

Certain aspects in Roman Architecture were influenced by the Greek Architectural style. Romans did take a few aspects from Greek Architecture but invented a totally different architectural styles.

Etruscans were preceded by Romans. Romans were indebted to the Etruscans for supplying them with knowledge on Structural systems. Etruscans had immense knowledge of Hydraulics and construction of arches.

Later on, with the development of newer and better materials, Roman Architecture took a new form.

The population of Rome was increasing which forced the designers of Rome to figure out new architectural solutions to cope with the growing problem. They constructed vaults and arches and had sound knowledge of building materials which helped them achieve great success in the construction of huge structures for general public use.

Roman Aqueducts are a very popular example of Roman engineering marvel. There were eleven aqueducts in the Rome itself. They were built over a period of 500 years. This is how the saying “Rome was not built in a day” is internationally popular.

Segovia Aqueduct, Rome
Segovia Aqueduct, Rome

Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the most significant and best preserved ancient monuments.

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Architectural Styles | Evolution of Architecture

Journey from Ancient Architecture to Modern Architecture

Egyptian Architecture (3000BC – 100AD)

Ancient Egyptian Architecture is mainly based on religious monuments, massive structures with extensive carvings of gods, goddesses, pictorial representation of daily life, structures having thick sloping mud walls with very few openings for ventilation since the climate in Egypt is very hot and dry.

Temple of Horus | Ancient Egyptian Architecture
Temple of Horus | Ancient Egyptian Architecture

The “Temple of Horus” at Edfu is an example of the Ancient Egyptian Architecture. It is very well preserved even today and is considered as an “Architectural Sculpture”. The carvings done on the walls of the structure were considered as ornamentation in Egyptian period.

Pyramids of Giza | Ancient Egyptian Architecture
Pyramids of Giza | Ancient Egyptian Architecture

The Great Pyramid of Giza and Great Spinx of Giza are architectural monuments of ancient Egyptian Period. They are very popular for their uniqueness in massing and proportions.

The materials used in the Ancient Egyptian period were sun baked mud brick, stone, limestone. Granite and sandstone were also used at certain places. Wood wasn’t used as a material for construction since it was scarcely available.

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