definition
strict definition
historical style
Architectural styles ranging from primitive and ancient building traditions through the mid-18th century.
Historical styles encompass primitive and ancient styles of architecture through the mid-18th century. Similar styles which occur later are listed as revival styles.
These styles describe the architectural vocabulary of the historical periods themselves. Their forms can include characteristic structural arrangements as well as surface ornament.
A later revival style deliberately returns to an earlier vocabulary. Similar-looking forms can therefore belong to different stylistic periods depending on whether they are original to that tradition or a later revival.
