The Doric order (Greek: Δωρικός ρυθμός; Latin: Ordo Doricus) is the oldest and simplest of the classical architectural orders. Its name comes, according to Vitruvius, from the fact that the first temples of this style were built in the cities of the Dorians.[1] It is the Greek order par excellence. The older it is, the simpler it is, giving a sensation of robustness (protodoric), the later it is, the more slender and proportional it is; thus achieving harmony and classic beauty. It was used in continental Greece from the end of the century BC. C. as well as in southern Italy and Sicily. Some of the first temples that contain elements of this order are the temple of Poseidon in Isthmia, the Hereus of Argos and the temple of Apollo in Thermos "Temple of Apollo (Thermus)").[2]​ The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos on the Acropolis of Athens, is undoubtedly the greatest exponent of this architectural style.

The characteristics that define this architectural order are: