Term for the Day: Doric Column

The Parthenon

The Doric Order refers to the simplest of the three Greek architectural orders (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian). A Doric column, as originally designed, had no decorative base wherein the columns shaft sat directly on the ground. The shaft of the column was fluted with twenty fluted grooves and the capital was a simple gently turned ring which affixed directly to the entablature (the horizontal beam) of the structure. An excellent example of the Doric order is the architecture of Athens’ Parthenon.


Over the centuries, Doric columns, while still the simplest form, have evolved to include bases and more decorative capitals. In Renaissance architecture, Doric columns without fluting and slightly more ornate caps became known as “Tuscan” columns. Still employed today when replicating classical architecture, the Doric columns has become a symbol of strength, authority and perseverance.