Roman columns, 1889. Examples of various types of column from classical buildings in Rome: 1. Corinthian, from the Temple of Mars Ultor; 2. Composite, from the Arch of Titus; 3. Ionic, from the Temple of Fortuna Virilis; 4. Doric, from the Theatre of Marcellus. In the Corinthian order, the capitals of the columns are decorated with acanthus leaves. The Composite order is a combination of Ionic and Corinthian capitals. The Ionic capital features a scroll-shaped ornament known as a volute, sometimes compared to rams' horns. The Doric is the oldest and simplest of the classical orders and has a very plain capital. From the 9th edition of the "Encyclopaedia Britannica", 1889.