This book examines the importance of Greek building and thought for the creation of architecture as Vitruvius understood it in a Roman context. In focusing on the central role of Greek practices of scale drawing and linear perspective, it considers the influence that Roman architecture drew on from Greek architects and concepts of craftsmanship. More than this, however, I explore the impact of the instruments and techniques of Greek architects on the classical understanding of the forms and mechanisms of nature and how the eye perceives them. Rather than demonstrating how classical architecture merely reflects the features of its larger cultural context, I try to show how the practices of Greek architects actively determined concepts about the world. In addition to classicists and historians of art and architecture, therefore, this book addresses readers interested in the history of philosophy and science, as well as architects who draw inspiration from the classical world.

In acknowledging only a small share of those directly involved with the realization of this work, I want to first thank my mentor, Fikret K. Yegül, who, in addition to training me in ancient art and architecture, read this book's manuscript in its entirety. His expertise allowed for the comments, criticisms, and insights necessary to elevate it above the artlessness of its first draft. Credit for the merits of this project must go to Beatrice Rehl, Publishing Director of Humanities and Social Sciences at Cambridge University Press.