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Floral decoration in classical buildings

Σύμμεικτα

• Richards-Μαντζουλίνου, Έρση

The author proposes that the floral sculptural patterns in certain buildings of the classical period were chosen to depict plants used at that time for medicinal purposes. The acanthus leaves of the Corinthian capital in Apollo’s temple at Bassae offer the first evidence of this practice, which culminates in the display of representative medicinal plants from Greece (wild rose, opium poppy, lily, crocus, hellebore) in the tholos of Epidaurus. If the theory is correct, the interior Corinthian Colonnades of the temples of Tegea and Nemea indicate their connection with health and healings the former with easing of childbirth, the latter with relief of internal disorders by means of wild celery. Later the Corinthian capital loses this significance.

• History and Archaeology
• Arts

• Αρχαιολογία
• Κλασσικές αρχαιότητες
• Τέχνη

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