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Variants of Greek temples

Greek temples evolved into various architectural styles called "orders," reflecting different aesthetic preferences and periods. The main variants are Doric, characterized by sturdy columns with simple capitals and a plain frieze; Ionic, featuring taller, more slender columns with scroll-like capitals and a decorative frieze; and Corinthian, the most ornate, with elaborate, acanthus leaf-adorned capitals. These styles influenced temple design across Greece and later regions, with each style offering a distinct visual identity. Temples often incorporated elements from these orders, creating architectural diversity that reflected cultural and artistic values of their era.