Final answer:
Option (2), A Greek courtyard surrounded by columns is called a peristyle, a feature found in both Greek and Roman architecture that provides a shaded walkway or aesthetic enhancement around a courtyard or garden.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Greek courtyard that is surrounded by columns is known as a peristyle. This term denotes a type of colonnade, with columns that encircle a space within a building, which could be a courtyard or garden. Peristyles were a common feature in Greek and Roman architecture, providing a shaded walkway and enhancing the aesthetics of the space. Classical examples of peristyles can be found in numerous ancient structures, serving both public and private architectural functions.
For instance, the Pantheon, a significant ancient Roman edifice, originally featured a courtyard framed by a set of imposing columns — although it's important to note that this setting, being a Roman one, would actually classify as a portico. Nonetheless, the general concept of column-surrounded courtyards extends across both Greek and Roman architectural heritages.
Similarly, the expansive design seen in the Old St. Peter's forecourt draws from the same architectural lineage. A courtyard enclosed with a peristyle gave rise to multiple uses across different time periods, from contemplation spaces in Greek and Roman times to the cloistered spaces in Christian monastic architecture.