aesymnetes
Officer in the ancient Greek cities, mainly during the Archaic period, charged with archival responsibilities, but in some cases with enlarged legislative, judicial and administrative power (governor possessing supreme power for a limited time).

arch, the
A curved structure, as a masonry, that covers openings in the stonework and is capable to supports the weight of material over an open space, as in a bridge, doorway, etc. It is often used as a decorative element.

architrave or epistyle
The lowest part of an entablature resting on the columns capitals and supporting the frieze.

basilica
In ancient Roman architecture a large oblong type building used as hall of justice and public meeting place. The roman basilica served as a model for early Christian churches.

cella
Interior enclosed part - nucleus of a temple or other temple-shaped building.

crepis / crepidoma
The solid mass of stepped masonry serving as the visible base of a building. The crepidoma usually consists of three steps. The top step from which the columns spring is called the stereobate.

nymphaeum, the
Originally the sacred grotto dedicated to the Nymphs. During the Roman period the Nymphaea were monumental public fountain constructions, commissioned by wealthy citizens. During the Early Byzantine period they often adorned the fora (public spaces).

obverse
The face of the coin which bears the more important device. Due to ambiguities that sometimes exist, many numismatists prefer to use the term for the side struck by the lower (anvil) die.

odeum, the
Public building similar to the theatre, but roofed and with smaller dimensions, which was used for musical contests.

pediment, the
The triangular structure, over a building façade, between the horizontal entablature and the sloping roof, often decorated with sculptures, reliefs or painted figures.

peristyle
A colonnade surrounding a building or a courtyard .

pillar
Pier of square or rectangular cross-section.

prostyle temple
A term applied to a temple with a portico of columns in front.

sestertius or sesterce
Ancien Roman coin

stater, the
The term "stater" was used in various areas of the ancient Greek world to define either a standard weight unit or the most important coin in precious metal (gold, silver, electrum) of a numismatic system. The dead weight and accordingly the value of a stater differed from one area to another and it was based on the weight standard effective in the various cities. Therefore, it was necessary each standard to be defined by the authority that issued it (e.g. Aeginetan, Attic, Boeotian, Corinthian).

stoa, portico, the
A long building with a roof supported by one or two colonnades parallel to its back wall.

stylobate
The top step of the crepidoma (the stepped foundation of an ancient Greek building) from which the columns rise.