Which Greek architectural order differs from Doric by the style of the entablature and column design and is more ornate?

• A. Doric
• B. Ionic
• C. Corinthian
• D. Composite

Answer: (B)

Differentiating Greek architectural orders by how the column and entablature are treated helps explain this. Doric is the simplest: stout columns without bases and a plain capital, with a frieze that shows alternating triglyphs and metopes. The order described as more ornate and distinct in both the column and the entablature is Ionic. It uses slender columns with bases, a capital decorated with volutes (scroll-like spirals), and a more decorative entablature featuring a refined architrave and a continuous, sculpted frieze. This combination makes Ionic clearly more elaborate than Doric. (For contrast, Corinthian and Composite are even more ornate due to acanthus-leaf capitals, but the key distinction from Doric in terms of ornamentation and form is found with the Ionic.)