<P> In Doric columns, the top is formed by a concavely curved neck, the hypotrachelion, and the capital, in Ionic columns, the capital sits directly on the shaft . In the Doric order, the capital consists of a circular torus bulge, originally very flat, the so - called echinus, and a square slab, the abacus . In the course of their development, the echinus expands more and more, culminating in a linear diagonal, at 45 ° to the vertical . The echinus of Ionic columns is decorated with an egg - and - dart band followed by a sculpted pillow forming two volutes, supporting a thin abacus . The eponymous Corinthian capital of the Corinthian order is crowned by rings of stylised acanthus leaves, forming tendrils and volutes that reach to the corners of the abacus . </P> <P> The capitals support the entablature . In the Doric order, the entablature always consists of two parts, the architrave and the Doric frieze (or triglyph frieze). The Ionic order of Athens and the Cyclades also used a frieze above an architrave, whereas the frieze remained unknown in the Ionic architecture of Asia Minor until the 4th century BC . There, the architrave was directly followed by the dentil . The frieze was originally placed in front of the roof beams, which were externally visible only in the earlier temples of Asia Minor . The Doric frieze was structured by triglyphs . These were placed above the axis of each column, and above the centre of each intercolumniation . The spaces between the triglyphs contained metopes, sometimes painted or decorated with relief sculpture . In the Ionic or Corinthian orders, the frieze possesses no triglyphs and is simply left flat, sometimes decorated with paintings or reliefs . With the introduction of stone architecture, the protection of the porticos and the support of the roof construction was moved upwards to the level of the geison, depriving the frieze of its structural function and turning it into an entirely decorative feature . Frequently, the cella is also decorated with architrave and frieze, especially at the front of the pronaos . </P> <P> Above the frieze, or an intermediate member, e.g. the dentil of the Ionic or Corinthian orders, the cornice protrudes notably . It consists of the geison (on the sloped sides or pediments of the narrow walls a sloped geison), and the sima . On the long side, the sima, often elaborately decorated, was equipped with water spouts, often in the shape of lions' heads . The pedimental triangle or tympanon on the narrow sides of the temple was created by the Doric introduction of the gabled roof, earlier temples often had hipped roofs . The tympanon was usually richly decorated with sculptures of mythical scenes or battles . The corners and ridges of the roof were decorated with acroteria, originally geometric, later floral or figural decorations . </P> <P> As far as topographically possible, the temples were freestanding and designed to be viewed from all sides . They were not normally designed with consideration for their surroundings, but formed autonomous structures . This is a major difference from Roman temples which were often designed as part of a planned urban area or square and had a strong emphasis on being viewed frontally . </P>

The most elaborate of the greek columns were called