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A Visual Glossary of Classical Architecture
A Visual Glossary of Classical Architecture
1. Abacus - a large slab placed above the column capital to support the architrave or an arch
placed above it.
2. Akroterion - a decorative piece added to the roof of a temple at the apex and corners,
usually made of clay or bronze and often in the form of a palm or statue, for example
of Nike.
3. Adyton - the most sacred inner part of a temple, usually at the end of the cella furthest
from the entrance, often with restricted access to the initiated or priests.
Library of Celsus, Ephesus by Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA)
15. Conch - also known as an apse, a recess in a wall often highly decorated or
containing a statue.
Aerial View of the Temple of Apollo, Miletus by Carole Raddato (CC BY-SA)
18. Decastyle Temple - with ten columns at each façade, e.g.: the temple
of Apollo Didymaeus at Miletus.
Dentils by Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA)
19. Dentils - a regular series of squares or rectangles used to decorate cornices.
21. Dipteral Temple - when there are a double row of columns on all sides, e.g.:
the Parthenon.
37. Opisthodomos - The small room at the rear of a temple commonly used as a treasury.
Theatre Parodoi, Epidaurus by Mark Cartwright (Copyright)
38. Parodoi - the large arched gateways, either side of the skēnē, through which an audience
entered a theatre.
51. Stoa - a long and narrow columned building often used to enclose a particular space
at religious sites and public places such as markets and gymnasia. Used as a meeting
place and shelter from the weather.
52. Stylobate - the foundation on which a row of columns stand. Often slightly curved to
aid drainage.