The 18th century saw many architects looking for a less elaborate style of architecture as a reaction against the excesses of Baroque and Rococo designs. At the same time, ancient Greek architecture was becoming better known in Western Europe, perfectly suited to architects looking for a style that was monumental but austere.

This talk will explore the principles and key elements of Greek architecture, and how these became popular as part of ���Greek revival��� architecture and some of the controversy that caused.

Dr Christopher Gribbin is a public historian specialising in ancient Greece and Rome and an Adjunct Lecturer at La Trobe University.