Of course, I'm focusing on the architectural version of this word. Before Roman times, the most common construction type was post-and-lintel, which is basically an upright support surmounted by a horizontal cross-piece on which a roof (for example) was laid. Not all cases of post-and-lintel construction provided for supporting roofs - note one of the oldest examples of this type of construction was at Stonehenge.
Another well known and extremely widely duplicated is the Parthenon.
If a building could take on human traits, the Parthenon would be the Jesus Christ of buildings. No other building has had as much influence on architecture in all of history since it was constructed. You can't go to any city (nearly anywhere) and look at town halls, courts or other official buildings and not see them built in replica of this ancient Greek building.
