CLASSICAL PERIOD, CIRCA 5TH CENTURY B.C.

The Ionic order originated in the mid 6th century B.C and was utilized continually into the Classical period, perhaps most notably with the Erectheion on the Athenian Acropolis. The 1st century A.D. Roman architect Vitruvius wrote that while the Doric column had its conceptual basis in the proportions of the male body, the Ionic took its slenderness and elegance from the female. This example is reminiscent of the capitals of the Temple of Athena Nike, also located on the Acropolis.