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Compare and contrast the three orders of Greek architecture, making reference to specific buildings. The three Greek orders, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, are often referred to as the orders of Classic Greek architecture. This is so because they originated in the period known as the Classic Period of Greek civilisation between the Persian war (early c5 AD) and the temporary unification of Greece (338 BC). The Parthenon is a supreme example of the Doric order and makes up a large part of the Acropolis; many people also believe this temple to best represent the entire Classical period in Greek art. The Parthenon dominates the skyline of Athens; it was a finely proportioned building, designed to harmonise rather than over power the surrounding structures. The Greeks were obsessed with harmony, balance and proportion so the Parthenon is near to being the ‘Ideal’. Designed by Callicrates and Ictus and supervised by Phidias, the structure was completed in 438BC; the sculpture was not set in the pediments for another seven years. One of the metope carvings, ‘Lapith and centaur’ represents human’s emotions verses their lustful and animal side. This could represent the feelings of the Greek warriors during the Persia