Column cylindrical disks of alternating diameter. The shaft is almost never fluted. The proportions vary, but are generally similar to Doric columns. Height to width ratio is about 7:1. The Ionic column is considerably more complex than the Doric or Tuscan. It usually has a base and the shaft is often fluted (it has grooves carved up its length). The capital features a volute, an ornament shaped like a scroll, at the four corners. The height-to-thickness ratio is around 9:1. Due to the more refined proportions and scroll capitals, the Ionic column is sometimes associated with academic buildings. Ionic style columns
Ionic Greek city of Miletus. This alphabet eventually became the standard Greek alphabet, its use becoming uniform during the Koine era. It was also the alphabet used in the Christian Gospels and the book of Acts. Proto-Greek "ā" > Ionic "ē"; in Doric, Aeolic, "ā" remains; in Attic, "ā" after "e, i, r", but "ē" elsewhere. Proto-Greek "e, o" > Ionic "ei, ou": compensatory lengthening after loss of "w" in the sequences "enw-, erw-, onw-, orw-". In Attic, "e, o" is not lengthened. Ionic sometimes removes initial aspiration (Proto-Greek hV- > Ionic V-). Ionic contracts less often than Attic. Proto-Greek "*kʷ" before