Greek Temples - The Earthly Home of the Gods

Many civilizations through history have temples for payer or various activities of religious life. The ancient Greeks had temples for their various gods and each temple was dedicated to one god specifically. 

View from Philopappos Hill in Athens (Attica, Greece) — Acropolis of Athens

Model of the Temple of Zeus

Originally the temples were made out wood, but that was soon abandoned for better building materials like stone or marble. The Temples were brightly painted and would often have a large statue of their god inside. The painting would often depict the exploits of the gods or heros. 

Reconstruction of original painted state on a scaffolding covering the Temple of Concordia, Akragas.

Part of the Parthenon frieze (cast), in situ on W side of naos

The ancient greek temple was often the site of each deity's cult. Where rituals were preformed and offerings to the gods were made. Temples were also site were the common people would come to pray to the specific god for help or luck.

Illustration of Doric (first three), Ionic (next three) and Corinthian (final two) columns.

Features of a Doric temple, Greece