Задача №31-pg по английскому языку (11 класс, Афанасьева О.В.)

Greek Architecture In architecture the ancient Greeks reached a level of perfection that has set a standard for all time and established a classic tradition. Their own homes were rather simple but when they designed and built houses for their gods they tried hard to make them impressive. The Greeks knew how to build arches but only used them where they could not be seen. In their temples they preferred the dignity and rest- fulness of the monolithic type of architecture and vertical columns. The Greeks built without mortar, the substance that holds stones together. They lay their blocks of perfect marble in place and left the force of gravity to hold them there. When we look at their noble tem- ples we see at a glance that their structure is solid and logical and it pleases us more than any lavish ornament could. A Greek temple stands on a platform with steps leading up to it from any direction. In the centre stands a hall in which the statue of god or goddess was erected. This is usually surrounded on all sides by colonnades. There are three distinct styles in Greek architecture. They are known as the three orders, and they are easily distinguished by the kind of capital used at the top of the columns. The earliest was the Doric order, then came the Ionic, and last the Corinthian. Time came when either of the three could be used and a Greek architect had a choice. But when he had chosen to use one of these three orders, he did not try to make any radical changes. His aim was to achieve greater perfection within the limits of his chosen style. This quest for greater perfection is typical of Greek art. The most important ele- ments of Greek architecture were kept constant by the Greeks and by the Romans who came after them, and by architects of later times who have chosen to work within this classical tradition.