Greek Sanctuaries: An Introduction

by Mary Emerson

"Greek Sanctuaries" offers a good basic understanding of ancient Greek sanctuary sites and temple architecture. Assuming no prior knowledge, it introduces the reader to a select number of sites and temples in some depth, explaining technical terms along the way. The author has borne in mind the needs of students at sixth-form and university level, as well as the general reader, and has covered some of the core buildings and sanctuaries usually chosen for study owing to their social importance and aesthetic excellence, including the Athenian Acropolis, Delphi and Olympia. The book explores some of the aesthetic concepts behind Greek architectural design, as well as looking in some detail at the buildings and their decoration. It also investigates their importance within the culture of the time, asking such questions as: What were temples for? How do sanctuary buildings relate to each other and to the space where they are set? What was the purpose of architectural sculpture? The accessible text will inspire the visitor to Greece and equip the student of Greek architecture for further study.

172 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2007