The column originated with the Egyptians.  It was at first heavy, broad compared to its length, and was usually covered with hieroglyphics.  The architecture of Egypt, of which the principal forms are pyramids, sphinxes, obelisks, and temples, is characterized by massiveness of material, grandeur of proportion, and simplicity of parts—­a style well suited to its flat, sandy soil, though it would look heavy and out of place in a country where nature had herself supplied the elements of grandeur and massiveness in the form of lofty mountains or mighty forests.  Egyptian art greatly influenced all the succeeding styles, and to this time is unsurpassed in many of its qualities.

2. Greek Art.—­The next great historic style is the Greek.  Its spirit differed entirely from the Egyptian, being aesthetic and not symbolic.  Its sole aim was to create beautiful forms, without any thought of attaching to them a meaning.  It adopted many Egyptian forms, such as the lotus, fret, and scroll, but divested them of all symbolism or significance.  The most characteristic feature of Greek ornament is the anthemion, a conventionalized flower form resembling our honeysuckle bud, which was usually alternated with the lotus or lily form bud.  The Greeks also borrowed the column and flat arch from the Egyptians, but changed it to a more slender, graceful form.  The three principal orders of Greek architecture are named from the style of the column used that characterized them, viz., the Corinthian, the Doric, the Ionic.  Of these the Doric is the simplest and the Corinthian the most elaborate.

For harmony of proportions, elegance of form, and simplicity of detail, Greek architecture and ornament has probably never been surpassed.  These qualities are admirably displayed in the Parthenon, a temple in Athens, dedicated to Venus.  Though in ruins, it is still one of the greatest attractions to travelers in Greece.  A very fine collection of fragments taken from it is to be seen in the British Museum.  They are known as the Elgin marbles.

The most flourishing period of Greek art, as will be found in the history of almost all nations, was identical with the most flourishing period of its literature and general welfare.

3. Roman Art.—­In the 6th century B.C. the Greeks, already on the decline, were conquered by the Romans, a nation hardier and more powerful, though ruder and less civilized than themselves.  The conquerors recognized this, and immediately set to work to copy or steal from their vanquished foes everything that might enhance the beauty and splendor of their own city.  Greek artists were transported to Rome and placed in charge of the most important public works.  Roman art is, consequently, but a development or adaptation of the Greek.  It is noticeable, however, that it almost completely ignored the most characteristic and popular of the Greek forms—­for example, the anthemion—­and adapted those, such as the acanthus and the scroll,