Order

A term used to describe the basic element of classical and Renaissance architecture, comprising the base, column, capital and entablature.

The ancient and original orders of architecture are the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, which were invented by the Greeks. To these the Romans added two, the Tuscan, which they made simpler than the Doric, and the Composite, which was more ornamental than the Corinthian.

See also:

• Greek Orders
• Roman Orders