What does amphiprostyle mean?
Amphiprostyle is a term from classical architecture describing a temple that carries columns at both its front and rear porticoes while lacking any colonnade along its sides. The word derives from Greek roots meaning 'both' and 'columned in front', reflecting the double-ended arrangement that distinguishes it from the simpler prostyle temple, which has columns only at the front. In Vitruvius's classification of temple types, the amphiprostyle occupies a middle position between the austere prostyle and the more elaborate peripteral and dipteral forms, which are surrounded by colonnades. The term appears chiefly in art history, archaeology, and architectural scholarship, where precision about temple plans matters; it is rarely used outside these specialist contexts. For students of classical antiquity, it offers a compact way to describe one of the standard ground plans of Greek and Roman sacred buildings.
A classical temple having columns at the front and rear porticoes but no columns along its sides.
"The excavators identified the small shrine as amphiprostyle from its paired porticoes."
Used almost exclusively in classical architecture and archaeology.
Describing or relating to a temple built with columns at both the front and rear porticoes and no side colonnade.
"an amphiprostyle plan"
Rarely needed, since the word usually names a single temple type; the plural would refer to multiple temples of this plan.
"Several amphiprostyles have been identified among the temples of Magna Graecia."
An amphiprostyle temple is dressed up at both ends but bare down the sides — ancient Greek architecture's version of putting your best face forward twice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of amphiprostyle
Amphiprostyle comes from Greek, combining 'amphi-' ('on both sides' or 'around') with 'prostylos' ('having columns in front'). It entered English scholarly usage through Latin sources on classical architecture, notably Vitruvius's treatise on building, and became established in English architectural vocabulary during the early modern period as antiquarian study of Greek temples flourished. It shares the 'amphi-' prefix with words such as amphitheater and amphibious.
How amphiprostyle is actually used
A technical term of classical architecture, encountered mainly in art history, archaeology, and architectural literature rather than everyday language. It functions primarily as a noun naming a temple type, though it can be used adjectivally to describe a building following this plan.
Easily confused with amphiprostyle
A prostyle temple has columns only at the front portico, whereas an amphiprostyle temple has columns at both the front and rear porticoes.