A dipteral temple is characterized by which feature?

A dipteral temple is characterized by which feature?

• A. Double row of columns surrounding the naos
• B. Single row of columns surrounding the naos
• C. No columns around the naos
• D. Three rows of columns around the naos

Answer: (A)

A dipteral temple is defined by two concentric rows of columns surrounding the naos (cella). In Greek temple design, this means there’s an inner peristyle that directly frames the cella and an outer peristyle that encircles the whole structure, creating a double colonnade. This distinguishes it from a peripteral temple, which has just one ring of columns around the naos, and from forms with no surrounding columns. The double row of columns gives the temple a more monumental, enveloping presence and emphasizes the temple’s separation from the exterior world while guiding the viewer’s approach toward the sacred interior.

A dipteral temple is defined by two concentric rows of columns surrounding the naos (cella). In Greek temple design, this means there’s an inner peristyle that directly frames the cella and an outer peristyle that encircles the whole structure, creating a double colonnade. This distinguishes it from a peripteral temple, which has just one ring of columns around the naos, and from forms with no surrounding columns. The double row of columns gives the temple a more monumental, enveloping presence and emphasizes the temple’s separation from the exterior world while guiding the viewer’s approach toward the sacred interior.