Pausanias, Description of Greece (second century C.E.)—Pausanias traveled extensively in the Mediterranean world and was a keen observer of the places he visited. In his account of his travels through Greece he gives a brief sketch of the history and the layout of the important cities, but it is his detailed description of many of the important architectural monuments—temples, shrines, treasuries, and other public buildings—that has proved to be one of the most valuable sources for the history of Greek architecture. His travels in Greece included most of the major cities such as Athens, Olympia, and Delphi.

Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus), Natural History (first century C.E.)—Pliny's compendium of facts included a discussion of building materials and construction as well as the techniques of the artists and decorators of major architectural...