Classical architecture, 

architecture of ancient Greece and Rome,

especially from the 5th century BCE in Greece to the 3rd century CE in
Rome, that emphasized the column and pediment. Greek architecture
was based chiefly on the post-and-beam system, with columns
carrying the load. Timber construction was superseded by
construction in marble and stone. The column, a unit human in scale,
was used as a module for all of a temple’s proportions. The Doric
order, probably the earliest, remained the favourite of the Greek
mainland and western colonies. The Ionic order developed in eastern
Greece; on the mainland, it was used chiefly for smaller temples and
interiors. Both Doric and Ionic orders are present in
the Athens Acropolis, the greatest Greek architectural achievement. By
the late 5th century BCE, the orders were applied to such structures
as stoas and theatres. The Hellenistic Age produced more elaborate
and richly decorated architecture, with often colossal buildings. Many
of the great buildings were secular rather than religious, and the Ionic
and especially the newer Corinthian orders were widely used. The
Romans used the Greek orders and added two new
ones, Tuscan and Composite, but the Corinthian was by far the most
popular. Roman architects used columns not only as functional
bearing elements but also as applied (engaged) decoration. Though
rigidly adhering to symmetry, the Romans used a variety of spatial
forms. Whereas Greek temples were isolated and almost always faced
east-west, Roman temples were oriented with respect to other
buildings. Roman columns carried arches as well as entablatures,
permitting greater spatial freedom. The discovery of concrete
enormously facilitated construction using the arch, vault, and dome,
as in the Pantheon. Other public buildings included basilicas, baths
(see thermae), amphitheatres, and triumphal arches. Classical
architecture may also refer to architecture of later periods that
employs Greek or Roman forms. See also Western architecture: The
Classical period.