Final answer:
The Temple of Hera in Paestum, dating back to 550 BCE, is a testament to ancient Greek Doric architecture known for its robust columns and frieze of triglyphs and metopes. Pediments such as the Temple of Artemis's featured narrative sculptures, and the Greeks later experimented with all Classical orders in buildings like the Temple of Epicurious at Bassae.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Temple of Hera, located in Paestum, Magna Grecia, and dating back to 550 BCE, is an exemplary instance of ancient Greek religious architecture. The temple exemplifies the Doric style, one of the three classical orders of ancient Greek and Roman architecture. This style is characterized by sturdy columns with simple capitals and no base, and a frieze composed of triglyphs and metopes. Similar to the Temple of Hera, construction practices in Greek architecture during the classical period were governed by principles aimed at achieving the optimal aesthetic proportions. Developments over time led to refinements in these principles as seen in buildings across Greece, such as the Parthenon, which is known for its Ionic colonnades and meticulously planned interior.
Additionally, the Temple of Artemis in Corfu also adheres to the Doric order. Its pediment features a symmetrical arrangement of sculptures that include fallen warriors, combat scenes, and the Gorgon Medusa centerpiece. Much of the decoration and architectural features serve not just a structural function but also a narrative one, telling mythic stories. Over time, as architectural techniques evolved, the Greeks began experimenting with new designs and decoration, utilizing elements from all three Classical orders - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian - as seen in the Temple of Epicurious at Bassae. The theater at Epidauros represents the advanced engineering skills of the Greeks, displaying their ability to craft spaces with remarkable acoustics.