Which Greek column order features acanthus leaf capitals?

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The Greek column order famous for capitals decorated with acanthus leaves is the Corinthian order.

The Corinthian order is the most ornate of the three principal Greek architectural orders. Its capitals typically have one or more rows of stylized acanthus leaves, often combined with small spirals and a compact abacus. The shafts are usually fluted, and the overall effect is more elaborate than the plain Doric or scroll-bearing Ionic orders.

The order developed during the Late Classical period. Some of its earliest known examples are associated with the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, where Corinthian capitals date to roughly 420 BC. It became especially prominent in Roman architecture, when builders used it extensively for temples, monuments, and imperial interiors.

The Composite order is a frequent source of confusion because it also uses acanthus foliage. Its capital combines Corinthian-style leaves with the large Ionic volutes. The defining association in a basic Greek-orders question, however, is acanthus-leaf capitals with the Corinthian order.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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