Glossary
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Acanthus
An herbaceous plant with large swollen often used as a decorative element in on a tombstone, in Corinthian and composite capitals, sculptures and mosaics.
Acroterium
A decorative element in terracotta or marble used at the apex of the pediment in Greek, Etruscan and Roman temples with apoplectic effigies (that ward off evil). In more general terms, sculptural decorations on the corners of pediments.
Adytum
The area at the back of a temple's cella* or a separate room behind it that has the statue of the divinity of the particular cult to whom the temple is dedicated.
Aedicule
Literally a “little building”, a framing device for a tabernacle or niche or it could be a small temple any of which would usually house a statue or painting.
Agorà
A square in the centre of a Greek city, a point at which the city's major roads meet, a place where business is conducted, markets held, and where people meet up or assemble.
It is usually rectangular in shape, with porticoes* and the city's most important and symbolic buildings are located in the surrounding area. The equivalent of a Roman forum
It is usually rectangular in shape, with porticoes* and the city's most important and symbolic buildings are located in the surrounding area. The equivalent of a Roman forum
Altar
In pagan cults, altars might be made of wood or a stone slab and bore the offerings made to the Gods. In Roman times they were often built in a parallelepipedon shape in either stone or brick and their sides were embellished with decorative motifs.
Ambulatory
A corridor or covered portico used as a passageway between non-communicating rooms in the building.
Anta
The end of a wall, usually a decorated pilaster* although the capital and base often do not comply with a particular architectural cannon.
Antefix
An ornamental element in terracotta or stone on the edge of Roman (curved) tiles or those that protrude beyond the roof in Greek, Etruscan, Italic and Roman buildings.
Apse
A covered semi-circular or polygonal architectural structure that juts out from the perimeter wall of a building.
Ara (Altar)
A pagan altar often where sacrifices to the Gods took place, but also monumental. Built in various shapes and materials.
Arcade
An arched structure, usually supported by pilasters* or sections of wall, also a structure comprising a series of arches.
Architrave
A horizontal architectural element that rests on columns or pilasters*. It forms the lower part of the entablature* found in the classic orders.
Archivault
The cornice or fascia, either plain or decorated, that runs around the outline of an arch as far as the impost and has a purely decorative function.
Attic
The storey above the main entablature of a classical façade sometimes used to screen the slope of the roof.
In triumphal arches it is the straight section above the cornice of the principal order, often decorated with bas-reliefs or inscriptions. In buildings the attic is the highest floor, situated above the ceiling on the top floor.
In triumphal arches it is the straight section above the cornice of the principal order, often decorated with bas-reliefs or inscriptions. In buildings the attic is the highest floor, situated above the ceiling on the top floor.
Axonometric projection
A graphic representation of an architectural structure that is drawn with its horizontal and vertical axes to scale but with its curved lines and diagonals distorted which draws attention to the structure's height, width and depth.