- Doric Order
- This order was developed in the 7th century BCE. Each column had no base, but rose directly from the floor. The diameter was about one-fifth or one-sixth of the height. There were wide shallow flutings, tapering slightly from about one-quarter of its height from the base. The column was topped with a basin-shaped circular moulding and a plain square slab. The main features of the building itself were as follows: a foundation and a leveling course, three steps, columns and capitals with a frieze on each, and cornices next to the roof.
- Ionic Order
- This order was developed in the late 6th century BCE. Each column stood on a base. The diameter was about one-eighth or one-ninth of the height. There were deep flutings. The capital was decorated with spiral scrolls. On the architrave were three bands, with mouldings above. The Aeolic capital, an earlier variant, was more ornate.
- Corinthian Order
- This order was developed in the late 5th century BCE. It was a descendant of the Ionic Order. The capital had an inverted bell shape and decorated with acanthus leaves. This order was dominant in the 1st century BCE.
