Entry #2 - Columns

The Parthanon is a structure in Greece (or was it in Grease 2? I can't keep my movies straight), and it provides an example of an architectural device invented and used often by the Greeks: the column. A column is a supporting pillar, but the Greeks had a sense of style, so they invented three different types of columns.

Above: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, respectively

As you can see, the Doric design is a bit plain. The Ionic design is more ornate, and looks almost like rams' horns. Finally, the Corinthian column is also ornate, with a design resembling leaves, or waves. They all get their names from the Greek cities in which they were invented. Sometimes the columns were given vertical grooves going around the column, known as fluting.

We have some cool columns here in my city too! These Doric columns, for example, are out front of my school, and there are many more around the city.