Ancient Greeks used limestone, marble and clay to build massive temples to the gods. The key element of Greek architecture is the use of columns, tall pillars that support large buildings. Columns are an incredibly common architectural feature, and they find use on famous buildings, such as the Acropolis in Athens, as well as average family homes.
Three major systems of Greek architecture, the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, are most prevalent in architectural styles today. The architecture of ancient Greece directly influenced the Roman Empire, as seen in the Coliseum of Rome. The architecture of Ancient Rome, in turn, directly influenced the churches and cathedrals built during antiquity as well as modern times.
In America, Greek influence is very visible. Some of the most well-known examples are the U.S Capitol building, the Library of Congress and the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is a near-replica of an ancient Greek temple. These buildings exhibit tall columns and white marble construction, and they were built to evoke the style of ancient Greek architecture deliberately.
