A Visual Glossary of Classical Architecture
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.
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.
Tholos of Delphi
54. Tholos - A circular-shaped temple, the most famous example being at Delphi.
Arch of Constantine I
56. Triumphal Arch - a monumental archway to commemorate Roman military victories and
other significant events.
Ionic Capital by Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA)
57. Volutes - the scrolls of an Ionic capital