The columns are the most distinctive feature of an ancient Greek temple. They stand between two solid horizontal lines (consisting of the foundations and the entablature i.e. the superstructure which lies horizontally above the columns) and seem to carry the whole weight of the temple. The Parthenon has 46 such columns, each playing its part in supporting the building. They resemble the free citizens of Athens who come together, as a body of willing individuals, to perform their duty for the common good. The columns stand at intervals of equal lengths, except for the corners where they are arranged closer together. The corner columns are also thicker, because there was no wall behind them and when seen against the sky they would appear thinner than the others.