What is a capital? This is a fragment of architecture with a centuries-old past

Your friend has finally returned from the trip and, of course, is ready to share with pleasure his indelible impressions of the trip. You are interested? Still would! Not every day you hear exciting stories about the mysterious fauna of the tropics or the beauty of the ancient capitals. "The capital? What's that? "- flashes in your head. But to ask a friend what the mean word means, you do not dare. And it's not surprising, because not everyone can muster the courage and flaunt their own gaps in knowledge. Well, perhaps, all of us at least once in a similar situation, and there is nothing terrible in this. Therefore, share with his friend his enchanting discoveries, and we will tell you about what a capital is.

Monumental architecture

Perhaps you will be surprised, but the capitals often surround you in ordinary life, it is only necessary to look a little. The capital is the offspring of a great ancient architecture. It is difficult to say how in ancient China or Rome people who did not have equipment and special equipment could build such complex monumental buildings. But they are not only preserved until our days, but they are able to impress with their majestic beauty even the most sophisticated modern architect.

The capital is the top of the column, which is the connecting element between the horizontal arch and the column itself. Often such an element is used in the crowning part of the pillars or pilasters. The shape, size and ornament of such products can be completely different, from the most modest and the discreet to the incredibly complex and majestic. You probably already saw similar.

They are not just beautiful

At first glance it may seem that the capital is just a decoration of the column. But it is not so. This part of the structure carries a very important functional purpose. Having the form of a trapezium expanding to the top, the capital increased the area of contact of the ceiling beam with the column itself, assuming the main load. Thanks to such a reliable support, the columns received better stability, and the upper vaults did not collapse under the weight of a huge weight.

Depending on the time at which the construction was erected and by whom, the capital itself was significantly different. The architecture of each people and time carried in itself a certain style and architectural warrant. Elements of different materials, such as wood or stone, were made.

Different kinds

Of course, time left its imprint on architecture. Tastes, fashion and style of buildings changed, thanks to which different types of capitals appeared. To date, there are several main ones:

• Tuscan (the most modest);
• Doric (fairly simple);
• Ionic (medium complexity);
• Corinthian (the most intricate).

Specific species appeared in ancient Mexico, Japan and even in Slavic architecture. Often they were of a mixed type, combining classics with local ornaments, emphasizing their specific style.

Capitals today

Capitals are popular in modern life no less. These elements often adorn the facades of buildings or any spacious premises in which there are columns. And yes, it is they who are the distinctive sign. If there is a capital, then it is a column, if not, then an ordinary pillar.

Capitals have an important role not only in the construction of houses. Many designers adopted the idea and began to decorate with them almost anything. You can find lighting fixtures in the form of capitals, and they even got some furniture and decor items. The main task - of course, aesthetic, this element gives the products luxury and its own charm.

Our contemporaries most often use carved capitals made of wood, stone or mold them from clay and other materials. Modern construction rarely applies capitals to support the ceiling beams, we have learned to build sufficiently strong structures without them. Basically, these elements are used to decorate interiors or street facades.

Now you know exactly what a capital is, where it came from and how it is used. Perhaps soon you, just like your friend, will be lucky to see the majestic luxury of Byzantine architecture and the progenitors of all modern capitals.