The origins of Greek temple architecture /

This welcome study of the earliest known Greek temples uses a fresh methodological approach to generate new insights into complex archaeological evidence. Organized chronologically, three lengthy chapters begin with early Iron Age temple structures, turn to monumental temples (c. 800--650 BCE), and finally address the first temples built with ashlar walls and terracotta roofs (c. 700--650 BCE). Material usually relegated to an introductory chapter in a broader architectural survey is here given monographic treatment. Each chapter clearly and concisely summarizes the archaeological evidence before offering in-depth analyses based on the structures' social, religious, and technological contexts. Pierattini (School of Architecture, Univ. of Notre Dame) approaches temple architecture from both cultural and technical perspectives, asking how early Greek temples served the social needs of their communities and exploring how factors such as wind load, labor costs, and materials selection influenced the temples' design and construction. Throughout, technical content is expressed in accessible prose, and high quality black-and-white figures, including admirably legible plans and drawings the author created, support the text. Framing the three main chapters are an introduction, a conclusion, three appendixes, and a lengthy reference section. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty. --Elisha Ann Dumser, University of Akron