Archaeological
Glossary
Acanthus -
Herbaceous plant with prickly leaves. Popular motif in architectural
decoration.
Agora (Roman Forum) - an open area for informal public
assembly; also market place
Amphora - Two-handled vessel for transport of oil and
wine.
Apodyterium - Changing room in a Roman Bath.
Atrium - Small entrance court of Roman House.
Caldarium - Hot room in Roman bath.
Cella - Sacred inner room (of temple, tomb, etc.)
Colonnade - Series of columns with entablature along
building or street.
Flute
- Vertical channel in the surface of a column.
Frigidarium - Cold room in a Roman bath.
Hamam - Turkish bath house.
Hippodamian Plan - City plan allegedly invented by
Hippodamus of Miletus, characterized by regular, parallel
streets intersected by other streets at right angles.
Hypocaust
Heating - System first used by the Romans to heat the
floors in bath buildings by generating and circulating heated
air beneath them.
In
situ - In its original place.
Narthex - Shallow entrance hall of ancient Christian
/ Byzantine basilica or church.
Necropolis - Burial ground or cemetery.
Palaestra
- Place of exercise, especially in gymnasium.
Pediment - Triangular structure over a building facade,
window, niche etc. containing sculpture.
Polis - City state.
Tepidarium - Warm room in Roman Bath.
Toga - Loose outer garment worn by adult Roman males.
