History of Architecture - Exam 2 Vocab

Engaged column

1/3, 1/2, or ¾ column attached to a wall

Caryatid

Stone carving of a female figure, used as a pillar to support the entablature of a building

Pilaster

Flattening a column against a wall, no curves

Forum

The public square in a Greek city

Basilica

A large public building used as law courts and places for public assembly

Voussoir

A wedge-shaped or tapered stone used to construct an arch

Keystone

A central stone at the summit of an arch

Barrel vault

Semi-cylindrical ceiling formed by a series of repeating arches

Pozzolana

Red dust from volcanic residue used in Roman concrete to make it stronger because it could cure underwater

Groin vault

2 barrel vaults that intersect with large windows

Coffering/coffers

Square or polygonal recessed panels in a ceiling, vault, or arch

Oculus

A round window (ex. the Pantheon)