Which of the following is typical of Greek temple plans?

• A. Rectangular temple plans
• B. Circular temple plans
• C. Irregular layouts
• D. Open courtyards beyond the temple

Answer: (A)

Rectangular ground plans are the hallmark of Greek temples. The standard design places the cella (naos) inside a rectangular footprint and often surrounds it with a row of columns (a peristyle) or, at least, features a front porch (pronaos) and sometimes a rear room (opisthodomos). This orderly, rectilinear layout expresses the Greek emphasis on balance, symmetry, and axial alignment toward the cult statue housed in the cella. Circular temple plans occur only in exceptional, non-typical forms (tholoi) and aren’t representative of mainstream Greek temple architecture. Irregular layouts or open courtyards beyond the temple would break the disciplined, enclosed, and highly organized plan that characterizes Greek temples.