To the classical world that of Ancient Greece and Rome architecture meant much more than the mere construction of buildings Architecture says the Roman architect Vitruvius consists of Order and of Arrangement and of Proportion and Symmetry and Propriety and Distribution For several of these terms he gives a Greek equivalent his definitions probably derived from an earlier Greek authority whose writings are lost to us Utility and Function are not part of this definition though in his book Vitruvius does go on to describe the best form and arrangements for different purposes of structure but here at the beginning the aesthetic emphasis architecture as an art has priority The origins of classical architecture are complex There was obviously a long prehistory of basic construction of hut habitations simple in form and material both in Greece and Italy which did not match up to Vitruvius artistic requirements Though these were by definition inartistic they nevertheless contributed an essential element of form which persisted into the later sophisticated architectural concepts However orate it may appear from the outside in essence the classical temple is a simple singleroomed hut