The columns of ancient Greece had a huge impact on building styles that came after. Here are some key points to understand:

1. Types of Columns: Ancient Greek architecture introduced three main types of columns:

   • Doric: These columns are strong and simple. They have vertical grooves and a flat top.
   • Ionic: These are thinner and have curly designs on the top. They are often seen in Eastern Greece.
   • Corinthian: These are the most decorative, with fancy flower designs. They became very popular later on.

2. Impact on Roman Buildings: The Romans liked Greek columns and used them in their own architecture. This led to many Roman temples and public buildings having columns. For example:

   • The Pantheon, built in 126 AD, has Corinthian columns and is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. It shows how Greek design influenced later architecture.
   • About 80% of Roman public buildings used Greek-style columns.

3. Renaissance Revival: During the Renaissance, between the 14th and 17th centuries, Greek columns came back in style. Famous architects like Bramante and Michelangelo used these designs. For instance:

   • St. Peter's Basilica, finished in 1626, features a grand row of columns and is a great example of Renaissance architecture.

4. Modern Influence: The styles of Greek columns also affected buildings in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some key examples include:

   • The United States Capitol, finished in 1800, and the Lincoln Memorial, dedicated in 1922, both have columned fronts inspired by Greek temples.

Today, we still see Greek columns in modern architecture. This shows that the ideas of balance, beauty, and proportion from ancient Greece continue to be important even after many years.