The space between the columns and wall at the en 'ranee or front end, is denominated pronaos. The similar space at the opposite end, the posticurn. The space within the walls was called the cell.
In the hypwthral temples, besides rows of columns along the outside, there were also rows within the cells, and these were placed sometimes along each of the four sides, and sometimes along the longer sides only. These were necessary to support the roof, and were named Pe ristyle. In some instances, as in the temple of Miner va at Tegea, and at Pcestum, the inner rows consisted of two heights of columns ; but it is proper to observe, that, in both these specimens, the upper rows have, by judi cious persons, been ascribed to the Romans.
In the application of the Doric order to temples, the intercolumniation was regulated by the triglyphs. Where there was only one between the columns, the mode was denominated monotriglyph, and it was almost the only one employed in the Grecian edifices.
In the Greek temples, the number of columns along each flank or longer side, was always one more than dou ble the number along the front, or shorter side ; that is to say, if there were eight columns along the front, there seventeen along the flanks, counting the angular columns both in the front and flank rangers. These tem ples were raised upon an artificial platform, ascended by three steps, which surrounded the whole building. The outer row of columns, which stood upon the upper step with their accompanying entablature, also surrounded the building without a single break. The pediments upon the ends, the whole of the frieze along the columns, and likewise that along the walls under the portico, were fre quently filled with the most exquisite sculptures.
\Ve shall now proceed to produce some examples from Greek temples which still exist ; and as works executed under the influence of Pericles, and the immediate di rection of Phidias, must exhibit the essence of Greek taste, we have selected those formed in the Acropolis at Athens, as faithfully measured and delineated, by Messrs Stuart and Revet, and which fortunately afford perfect specimens of the Doric, Ionic, and Cariatides.
The magnificent temple, dedicated to Minerva Par thenon, (see plate CLVII.) which stood within the A cropolis, was 225 feet in length, and 100 feet in breadth, measured on the top of the third step which surrounded the building. There were eight Doric columns in each front, and seventeen on each side, counting those at the angle twice. They were without bases ; the row which surrounded the whole buildings were those at the angles 6 feet 3.5 inches, all the others 6 feet 1.8 inches diameter ; and, including the capitals, were 34 feet 2.8 inches high. The intercolumns, next the angles, were each 5 feet 8.8 inches, all the others 7 feet 11.5 inches. The height of the architrave was 4 feet 5.1 inches, and of the frieze, including the cap of the triglyph, the same. The height of the cornice, exclusive of the top member, 2 feet 4.6 inches. The depth of the spandril of the pediment, at the middle, 11 feet 6 inches. The inner row of columns in the portico at each end, stood two steps higher than the outer row. These steps also passed quite around the cell. The diameter of these columns was 5 feet 6.5 inches. The distance from centre to centre of those next the anti was 12 feet 0.3 inch ; of the others 13 feet 9 inches. The breadth of the front of the ante 4 feet 11.7 inches. A peculiarity here was, that the inner row of columns stood before the ante ; whereas, in other temples, they usually had the ants: in a line with them. The column shafts were fluted. The flutes were shal low, and met in a sharp edge. They reached from the
bottom of the shaft to the underside of the cap ; and here were cinctures in place of astragals. In the soffit of the entablature were mutulcs, with t 8 drops in each. The soffit, at the external angles, was decorated with honeysuckles. All the metopes in the frieze (92 in number) have been enriched with sculpture. Those on the south side have each a groups, representing a Cen taur combating a Lapitha : they are in the finest alto rclievo. Those on the northern sides and two fronts were more defaced. On the frieze, under the porticos, which encompassed the cell, and measured 520 feet in length, and 3 feet 4 inches in height, was represented the Panathcnaic procession. Sixty feet on each side have been occupied by horsemen, who attend the festi val. They were preceded by charioteers. In the last is a youth, supposed a victor in the chariot races. A man is about to crown him. There are also sacrifices. On the eastern pediment was an assemblage of the gods, in which Jupiter appears to he receiving Minerva, and acknowledging her as his daughter. On the pediment at the other cud was represented Minerva's contest with Neptune. From the front of the inner columns to the front of the wall of the cell the distance is 17 feet 6.2 inches. The thickness of this wall is 6 feet 7.9 inches. The entrance doorway is 12 feet 6.75 inches wide, and 28 feet 8 inches high. Here is an ascent of about one inch into the Pronxus, which had been covered and sup ported by six columns, viz. three on each side. It was the Opisthodomas, or place where the public treasury was kept. The length 43 feet 9.75 inches ; the breadth 62 feet 6 inches. From this apartment was a doorway of equal breadth to the former, which opened into the great apartment, 98 feet 7.25 inches in 'length, and 62 feet 6 inches in breadth. The wall, which divided this from the Promrus, was 2 feet 11 inches thick. The side or outer walls each 3 feet 10.3 inches. A space 15 feet in breadth along the sides, and 14 at each end, was covered and supported by a row of columns. The middle space between these columns was open, and sunk about one inch below the level of the sides. It was in this division that the famous statue of Minerva stood. and Spon, who visited Athens in 1676, being 11 years before the Venetians destroyed the roof, saw within the cell, on each side, two rows of columns, one above another, stand ing at souse distance from the wall. The decorations of the eastern front prove it to have been originally the principal entrance. Under Phidias, the architects were Callicrates and lctinus. It was built of Pentilic marble ; and the inimitable sculptures which adorned its pedi ments and friezes, partly -acquired to this country by the xertions of Lord Elgin, spew time degree of perfection to which the Greeks had carried that art, (see ATHENS) Zt Elections have been cast on that nobleman, for thus de priving this splendid ruin of its appropriate decorations. If it had been possible to have preserved it inviolate, he would have undoubtedly been blameable ; but. when it is considered that the hand of ignorant barbarism had al ready, during a recent period, converted one inimitable structure into lime for mortar, and materials for con structing filthy huts ; and had also laid sacrilegious hands upon the Parthenon itself; and that depredations had like wise been commenced by a power, which, from its ex tensive spoliations in other quarters, left no room to doubt iss intentions here, this active nobleman, instead of being exposed to censure, ought to receive the warmest acknowledgments of the British artists and nation.