The Earth, the Temple, and the Gods
Greek Sacred Architecture
The seminal guide to sacred Greek architecture by North America’s preeminent architectural historian
When The Earth, the Temple, and the Gods appeared in 1962, it was hailed by critics for its erudition, historical imagination, and boldness. Subsequently this comprehensive study of Greek temples and site planning has been widely accepted as a landmark of architectural history, for it offers an inspired and arresting insight into the nature and function of Greek sacred architecture.
Vincent Scully, one of America's most articulate scholars, understands the temples as a physical embodiment of the gods in landscapes that had, for the Greeks, divine attributes and sacred connotations. He explores the meanings inherent in the calculated interaction between human-made sculptural forces and the natural landscape, and he relates this interaction to our understanding of Greek culture from the pre-Greek Aegean to the Hellenistic periods.
Years of research and travel were devoted to The Earth, the Temple, and the Gods. Scores of sites were restudied on the spot, including many lesser known sanctuaries throughout the Hellenic world. The book includes reconstruction drawings, plans, and maps along with richly illustrated, detailed discussions of major sites.