Temples in Greece with a double line of columns surrounding the naos are described as which type?

Temples in Greece with a double line of columns surrounding the naos are described as which type?

• A. Dipteral
• B. Peripteral
• C. Pseudodipteral
• D. Monopteros

Answer: (A)

When Greek temples show two concentric rows of columns wrapping around the naos, the building is described as dipteral. Dipteral means two peristyles around the cella, creating a double layer of colonade that surrounds the sanctuary. This is different from a temple with just a single row of columns around the naos, which is peripteral. If two rows exist but don’t form a complete double ring around the cella in the same way, the plan is called pseudodipteral. A monopteros, on the other hand, is a temple consisting of columns all around but lacking a true cella. So the double-line, fully surrounding arrangement point to a dipteral temple.

When Greek temples show two concentric rows of columns wrapping around the naos, the building is described as dipteral. Dipteral means two peristyles around the cella, creating a double layer of colonade that surrounds the sanctuary. This is different from a temple with just a single row of columns around the naos, which is peripteral. If two rows exist but don’t form a complete double ring around the cella in the same way, the plan is called pseudodipteral. A monopteros, on the other hand, is a temple consisting of columns all around but lacking a true cella. So the double-line, fully surrounding arrangement point to a dipteral temple.