Doric Order

The Doric order is the oldest and simplest style of a Column Order. This Greek column-type is identified by its simple molded capital and fluted shaft.

Doric Columns usually stood directly on flat pavement (or styloblate) without a base, or a plinth. Their shafts were usually fluted with 20 concave grooves all around.

The height-to-thickness ratio for a Doric column is about 8:1. It can also be referred to as the masculine order because it is represented on the bottom level of the Colosseum in Rome and the Parthenon, and was considered to be able to hold more weight than other column types. The Doric entablure (or the part of a temple which it holds up) is the heaviest, being about one-fourth of the column's height.