The ancient Egyptians were the first to build monumental structures using stone instead of timber The great pyramids of Giza built between 2589 and 2566 BC are some of the most famous buildings in the world The Romans were great builders and their legacy is still very visible in many parts of Europe The Colosseum in Rome for example is an imposing structure that can still be admired today After the fall of the Roman Empire there was a period of stagnation in terms of architecture This changed during the Renaissance when artists and architects such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci started to experiment with new shapes and forms Since then architecture has evolved continuously with new styles and trends appearing all the time
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There is no question that architecture is a powerful way to understand and appreciate history From ancient Greece and Rome to the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages and the grand palaces of the Renaissance architecture tells us a great deal about how societies have evolved over time
The architecture of ancient Greece and Rome is characterized by an use of stone vaults and domes The Romans were the first to widely use concrete which allowed for more flexible designs
Ancient: The ancient period in architecture is usually defined as lasting from around 2700 BC to about 450 AD During this time significant developments were made in the use of stone and other construction materials as well as in engineering techniques
There are certain periods in history that have been more influential in terms of architecture than others Here is a quick look at some of the most important architectural movements throughout history: Ancient: The ancient period was marked by grandiose structures like the pyramids and the Parthenon These buildings were constructed primarily out of stone and their design was heavily influenced by religious beliefs Renaissance: The Renaissance saw a shift away from the ornate designs of the ancient period and towards a more classical style This movement was marked by an increased focus on symmetry and proportion as well as a renewed interest in Greco-Roman architecture Baroque: The Baroque period was characterised by dramatic over-the-top designs often featuring intricate details and excessive ornamentation.This style was particularly popular in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries Classical: The classical period is perhaps best known for its Neoclassical style
Ancient: The ancient period in architecture refers to the time from the beginning of human habitation in regions around the world to the fall of the Western Roman Empire This period is generally split into three parts: Pre-historic Egyptian and Greek/Roman
The architecture of a city can tell you a lot about its people and their culture From ancient times to the present day here are some of the most famous and iconic examples of architecture from around the world Ancient Greece: The Parthenon is an iconic example of ancient Greek architecture Located on the Acropolis in Athens it was built in 447 BC as a temple to the goddess Athena Ancient Rome: The Colosseum is one of the most famous structures from ancient Rome Built between 70 and 80 AD it was used for gladiator fights and other public events The Middle Ages: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a classic example of Gothic architecture which was popular during the Middle Ages With its pointed arches and ribbed vaulting Notre Dame is one of the most famous churches in the world The Renaissance: The Florence Cathedral,also known as Santa Maria del Fiore is an example of Renaissance architecture
