Charmine Tan

03 October 2014
Ancient Architecture
Wonders
The idea of perfection draws as far as the ancient times. An old but concise definition
of which as defined by Aristotle would state that it is complete nothing needs to be added
or removed, it is flawless nothing of its kind can be better, and it is serves its purpose.
Many ancient civilizations lived while aspiring to attain this idea of perfection which
they eventually translated to their culture of art and architecture. Likewise, this culture
sprawls to customs and religion which eventually leads to another ideology that is eternity. It
will then represent something that shall exceed a lifetime.
The pyramids of ancient Egypt to start off embody eternity itself. It symbolize the
eternal life in beyond and it is existing centuries atop of its own builders. Building the
pyramid in its real form requires a lot of planning, and a pile of stone does not simply stand
up to the clouds effortlessly. Not all pyramids created exist until today and some had not been
able to stand at all. Egyptians system for creating pyramids with square base, equal slopes,
straight walls and so on was an aftermath of continuous trial to achieve a real pyramid. It has
been a display of a perfect geometry that is best seen in the pyramids of Giza.
Another ancient civilization that is an epitome of perfection in architecture is ancient
Greeks. They equate perfection as a requisite for what is beautiful and highly thus focusing
on physical forms. This is then illustrated through proportions and symmetry in their
architecture. The most famous Greek order for instance requires each of its components be in
a standard size and arrangement in accordance with the overall proportion based on the height
and the diameter of the column. The visual limitation of the eyes that makes vertical lines
look curved from a distance is even addresses by the Greeks as they continue to strive for

perfection. They created columns slightly bowed outwards to make it look straight from a
view thus the entasis effect. Greeks also made the upper portions of column shaft slightly
bulkier to compensate for the swell in the lower portion of the column shaft caused by
gravity. Furthermore the number of columns and openings are further analyzed to achieve
better visual value. All together, these create a harmonious proportion and symmetry among
individual components and its totality.
In Rome, they were greatly inspired by the Greeks, however Romans where more
realistic than artistic. Yet, this did not except them from aspiring perfection like other ancient
civilizations. Beyond forms and space, Romans developed architecture in terms of
construction technique. Romans had their own version of Greek orders that were simpler but
taller. This was possible as Romans developed what we know today as concrete exceeding the
limitations of their resources. Brick-making was also polished by Romans that they were able
to introduce it to neighboring territories. Lastly, Romans made great innovations out of a
simple arch. They pioneered in anchoring arches directly at a column, created vaulting system
and further revolving the arch system as seen in the Pantheon. As a whole it is not as
glamorous as the Greeks, but it is as complete as it should be fully serving its purpose.
More ancient architectures like megaliths, though functions are not yet acknowledged,
shows permanence in its very huge scale leaving a lasting impressions until today. In general,
seeing ancient structures at present highlights how these structures are created to withstand
space and time. More than reference to religion in terms of eternity that is the afterlife; the
bare existence of these ancient structures today lays outs how it is built for eternity.
The product of ancient civilizations pursuit for perfection speaks for itself. Words
alone will limit the heights of its success. It will not stand today if it is not as great as it is and
it will not be a reference for the architecture of the present and the future if is not as effective
as it is told.