Essential Glossary of Roman Architecture and Art Terms

Key Definitions in Classical and Early Christian Art

Sculpture and Techniques

Seated (Sculpture)

A sculpture depicting a figure in a sitting pose. Example: Moses by Michelangelo.

Recumbent Figure (Sculpture)

A sculpture depicting a figure in a lying or reclining posture. Example: Reclining Christ (El Pardo) by Gregorio Fernández.

Tempera (Painting Technique)

A painting technique where colors are obtained by mixing pigments with egg or animal fat (binder).

Zoomorphic

Meaning "animal-shaped" or having the form of an animal.

Roman Architecture and Public Buildings

Amphitheater

A Roman public building used for holding shows and games, such as gladiator fights, naval battles, dramatic representations, or fierce struggles. It presents a circular or oval shape, which distinguishes it from the typical theater. Example: The Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum).

Basilica

A large building located in the Roman Forum, intended for multiple purposes, including trade, religious gatherings, public discourse, and the administration of justice. Later, Christians adopted this architectural form exclusively for religious worship. Example: St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Circus (Roman Architecture)

A Roman public building, based on Greek race tracks and stadiums, intended for chariot races and performances honoring the empire. It presents an elongated oval shape. It consists of two main parts:

• The arena (sand)
• The bleachers (seating) surrounding the center, which is bisected by the spina (central barrier), usually decorated with obelisks.

Example: Circus Maximus in Rome.

Forum

The central plaza of ancient Roman cities, where the most important public buildings were located. It served as the primary meeting point for citizens. Example: The Forum of Trajan in Rome.

Pantheon

A Roman building used primarily as a temple to worship all the gods. It was sometimes also used as the burial place for a specific family or group. Example: The Pantheon in Rome.

Domestic and Decorative Elements

Atrium

In Roman contexts, originally rooms where the altar stood (sometimes also called the atrium) for the worship of Roman gods. Later, the term was adopted in Christian architecture, often referring to the forecourt or the area surrounding the altars.

Coffer (Casetón)

A decorative architectural element consisting of recessed panels, usually geometric in shape (often square or octagonal), used primarily on ceilings, vaults, and domes. Example: The coffers of the pronaos of the Maison Carrée.

Compluvium

An opening in the center of the roof of a Roman domus (house). Initially, it served to vent smoke from fires, but it was later primarily used to collect rainwater, which poured through the compluvium into the impluvium below.

Garland (Roman Decoration)

A decorative element in Roman architecture, consisting of stylized crowns, usually laurel, decorated with ribbons and flowers. Garlands were widely used in the decoration of friezes and other architectural elements.

Impluvium

A rectangular basin or pond located beneath the compluvium in Roman houses, designed to collect rainwater. It is usually situated in the atrium or the main lobby.

Historical Period

Early Christian Period and Art

A historical period spanning from the origins of Christianity until its consolidation as a major religion (roughly 1st to 6th centuries AD). In art history, Early Christian Art refers to all works created during this period for purposes related to Christianity.