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The circular so-called "Temple of Vesta" at Tivoli, of the early first century BCE, has been widely admired since the Renaissance. Its ruins sit on the acropolis of the Etruscan and Roman city of Tibur (now Tivoli), overlooking the falls of the Aniene in a picturesque narrow gully.

Temple of Vesta, Tivoli

The circular so-called "Temple of Vesta" at Tivoli, of the early first century BCE, has been widely…

The Temple of Venus and Roma (Latin: Templum Veneris et Romae) was the largest known temple in Ancient Rome. Located at the far east side of the Forum Romanum near the Colosseum, it was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix (Venus the Bringer of Good Fortune) and Roma Aeterna (Eternal Rome). The architect was the emperor Hadrian. Construction of the temple began in 121. It was officially inaugurated by Hadrian in 135, and finished in 141 under Antoninus Pius. Damaged by fire in 307, it was restored with alterations by the emperor Maxentius.

Temple of Venus and Roma, Plan

The Temple of Venus and Roma (Latin: Templum Veneris et Romae) was the largest known temple in Ancient…

The forum was built on the order of Emperor Trajan with the spoils of war from the conquest of Dacia, which ended in 106. The Forum was built from a vast stoa-lined piazza measuring 660 by 390 feet (200 × 120 m) with exedrae on two sides. The Basilica Ulpia was an ancient Roman civic building located in the Forum of Trajan. It was named after Roman emperor Trajan whose full name was Marcus Ulpius Traianus.

Forum and Basilica of Trajan

The forum was built on the order of Emperor Trajan with the spoils of war from the conquest of Dacia,…

The Baths of Caracalla were Roman public baths, or thermæ, built in Rome between AD 212 and 216, during the reign of the Emperor Caracalla. The extensive ruins of the baths have become a popular tourist attraction.

Thermæ of Caracalla, Plan of Central Block

The Baths of Caracalla were Roman public baths, or thermæ, built in Rome between AD 212 and 216,…

The Colosseum or Roman Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium, Italian Anfiteatro Flavio or Colosseo), is an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.

Colosseum, Half Plan

The Colosseum or Roman Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium,…

Diocletian's Palace (Dioklecijanova palaca in Croatian) is a building in Split in Croatia that was built by the emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD. The Latin name of the city, Spalatum, was drawn from that of the nearby Greek colony Aspalathos, which in turn was named after a white thorn common in the area. Contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with the Latin word for palace, palatium.

Palace of Diocletian, Plan

Diocletian's Palace (Dioklecijanova palaca in Croatian) is a building in Split in Croatia that was built…

"Semi-columns (Roman). Engaged columns of the Maison Carrée, Nîmes, France." -Whitney, 1911

Semi-Columns

"Semi-columns (Roman). Engaged columns of the Maison Carrée, Nîmes, France." -Whitney,…

Christian architecture is Syria diverged from Roman traditions. The abundance of hard stone, the total lack of clay or brick, the remoteness from Rome, led to a peculiar independence and originality in the forms and details of the ecclesiastical as well as of the domestic architecture of central Syria.

Church at Kalb Louzeh

Christian architecture is Syria diverged from Roman traditions. The abundance of hard stone, the total…

A pendentive is a constructive device permitting the placing of a circular dome over a square room or an elliptical dome over a rectangular room. The pendentives, which are triangular segments of a sphere, taper to points at the bottom and spread at the top to establish the continuous circular or elliptical base needed for the dome. In masonry the pendentives thus receive the weight of the dome, concentrating it at the four corners where it can be received by the piers beneath.

Diagram of Pendentives

A pendentive is a constructive device permitting the placing of a circular dome over a square room or…

An Anglo-Saxon brooch decorated with cloisonne, an ancient metalworking technique, is a multi-step enamel process used to produce jewelry, vases, and other decorative items.

Anglo-Saxon Brooch

An Anglo-Saxon brooch decorated with cloisonne, an ancient metalworking technique, is a multi-step enamel…

In the Giraud Palace and the great Palazzo della Cancelleria, pilasters appear in the external composition, and all the details of doors and windows betray the results of classic study, as well as the refined taste of their designer.

Façade of the Giraud Palace, Rome

In the Giraud Palace and the great Palazzo della Cancelleria, pilasters appear in the external composition,…

An illustration of a roman diptych with gold leaf. A diptych is any object with two flat plates attached at a hinge.

Leaf of Roman Diptych

An illustration of a roman diptych with gold leaf. A diptych is any object with two flat plates attached…

The sestertius or sesterce was an ancient silver coin during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.

Sestertius

The sestertius or sesterce was an ancient silver coin during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.

The obverse side of a Ducat, a gold coin, of Ladislaus Postumus, the King of Hungary from A.D. 1452-1457.

Ducat of Ladislaus Postumus, Obverse

The obverse side of a Ducat, a gold coin, of Ladislaus Postumus, the King of Hungary from A.D. 1452-1457.

The reverse side of a ducat, a gold coin, of Ladislaus Postumus, the King of Hungary from A.D. 1452-1457.

Ducat of Ladislaus Postumus, Reverse

The reverse side of a ducat, a gold coin, of Ladislaus Postumus, the King of Hungary from A.D. 1452-1457.

The obverse side of the Shekel, a ancient silver coin used in Mesopotamia and Jerusalem.

Shekel

The obverse side of the Shekel, a ancient silver coin used in Mesopotamia and Jerusalem.

The reverse side of the Shekel, a ancient silver coin used in Mesopotamia and Jerusalem.

Shekel

The reverse side of the Shekel, a ancient silver coin used in Mesopotamia and Jerusalem.

An illustration of a Roman cithara.

Roman Cithara

An illustration of a Roman cithara.

The ground plan of the baths of Pompeii, Italy.

Baths of Pompeii

The ground plan of the baths of Pompeii, Italy.

The ground plan of the baths of Caracalla. The Baths of Caracalla were Roman public baths, or thermae, built in Rome between AD 212 and 216, during the reign of the Emperor Caracalla.

Baths of Caracalla

The ground plan of the baths of Caracalla. The Baths of Caracalla were Roman public baths, or thermae,…

Four stringils in which the hollow for collecting the oil or perspiration from the body may be observed.

Four Stringils

Four stringils in which the hollow for collecting the oil or perspiration from the body may be observed.

A pillar is similar to a column which is a vertical support structure in architecture, but the base section is any shape but circular. Tschultri, or choultry, is a resting place for visitors where rooms and food are provided by a charitable institution for nominal rates. Some were guest-houses where accommodation is free of charge. Choultries were famous in Colonial India. It was an Hindu-Caravanserai or a Colonnade. It was a typical ancient Indian type of hotel.

Pillar in Trimal Naik's Tschultri

A pillar is similar to a column which is a vertical support structure in architecture, but the base…

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt, and is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops,…

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt, and is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid is the only pyramid known to contain both ascending and descending passages. There are three known chambers inside the Great Pyramid. These are arranged centrally, on the vertical axis of the pyramid.

Great Pyramid of Giza, Cross Section

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops,…

An illustration of a Roman standard.

Roman Standard

An illustration of a Roman standard.

An illustration of a Roman standard.

Roman Standard

An illustration of a Roman standard.

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu which was known in Greco-Roman times as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus-Apollo. It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and one of the best preserved. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 <small>BCE</small>. A, pylon; B, obelisks; C, entrance; D, temple courts; E, porticus; F, pronaos (court with colonnades); G, naos; H, sanctarium.

Temple of Edfu, Floor Plan

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of…

An illustration of two Hittite women sitting. The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who spoke a Hittite language of the Anatolian branch of the Indo-European language family, and established a kingdom centered at Hattusa in north-central Anatolia (on the Central Anatolian plateau) ca. the 18th century BC. The Hittite empire reached its height ca. the 14th century BC, encompassing a large part of Anatolia, north-western Syria about as far south as the mouth of the Litani River (a territory known as Amqu), and eastward into upper Mesopotamia. After ca. 1180 BC, the empire disintegrated into several independent "Neo-Hittite" city-states, some surviving until as late as the 8th century BC.

Hittite Women

An illustration of two Hittite women sitting. The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who spoke…

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was founded in 1400 <small>BC</small>. The temple properly begins with the 24 meter (79 ft) high First Pylon, built by Ramesses II. The pylon was decorated with scenes of Ramesses's military triumphs (particularly the Battle of Kadesh). Pylon is the Greek term for a monumental gateway of an Egyptian temple. It consists of two tapering towers, each surmounted by a cornice, joined by a less elevated section which enclosed the entrance between them.

Pylon at the Palace at Luxor

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in…

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was founded in 1400 <small>BC</small>. The temple properly begins with the 24 meter (79 ft) high First Pylon, built by Ramesses II. The pylon was decorated with scenes of Ramesses's military triumphs (particularly the Battle of Kadesh). Pylon is the Greek term for a monumental gateway of an Egyptian temple. It consists of two tapering towers, each surmounted by a cornice, joined by a less elevated section which enclosed the entrance between them.

Pylon at the Palace at Luxor, Profile with Colossal Statue and Obelisk

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in…

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was built originally 15 km south of Aswan in southern Egypt very close to the first cataract of the Nile and to the great religious center dedicated to the goddess Isis, in Phil&aelig;.

Great Temple at the Island of Philæ

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was…

The Papal Tiara, also known as the Triple Tiara, or in Latin as the 'Triregnum', and in Italian as the 'Triregno', is the three-tiered jewelled papal crown, supposedly of Byzantine and Persian origin, that is a prominent symbol of the papacy. The Supreme Pontiff's arms have featured a "tiara" since ancient times, notably in combination with Saint Peter's crossed keys.

Papal Tiara

The Papal Tiara, also known as the Triple Tiara, or in Latin as the 'Triregnum', and in Italian as the…

In 1959 an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began: the southernmost relics of this ancient human civilization were under threat from the rising waters of the Nile that were about to result from the construction of the Aswan High Dam. This image gives a perspective view of the entrance hall, in which are seen eight standing colossal statues 33 feet high, supported by square piers.1

Entrance to the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

In 1959 an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began: the southernmost relics…

The Sumerian word lama, which is rendered in Akkadian as lamassu, refers to a beneficient protective female deity. The corresponding male deity was called alad, in Akkadian, &scaron;&ecirc;du. In art they were depicted as hybrids, as winged bulls or lions with the head of a human male (Centauroid). There are still surviving figures of &scaron;&ecirc;du in bas-relief and some statues in museums. Notable examples of &scaron;&ecirc;du/lamassu held by museums include those at the British Museum, Mus&eacute;e du Louvre, National Museum of Iraq, Metropolitan Museum of Art and one extremely large example kept at the Oriental Institute, Chicago. They are generally attributed to the ancient Assyrians.

Winged Bull from Nimrud

The Sumerian word lama, which is rendered in Akkadian as lamassu, refers to a beneficient protective…

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid dynasty. Persepolis is situated 70 km northeast of the modern city of Shiraz in the Fars Province of modern Iran. In contemporary Persian, the site is known as Takht-e Jamshid (Throne of Jamshid) and Parseh. To the ancient Persians, the city was known as P&#257;rsa, meaning "The City of Persians".

Ruins of Persepolis

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid dynasty. Persepolis…

"Ancient Cretan sealing. An impression in clay used to seal vases and other receptacles, examples of which are frequently found in archaeological excavations." -Whitney, 1911

Vase Sealing

"Ancient Cretan sealing. An impression in clay used to seal vases and other receptacles, examples of…

Indian art made its entrance into China with the worship of Buddha. But still diversities, corresponding to the different nationalities, were gradually introduced. Instead of the Indian dagoba there appears a tower-like construction of many stories, growing smaller towards the top and with the stages distinctly marked, and covered with multicolored curved roofs to which bells were attached.

Porcelain Tower at Nankin

Indian art made its entrance into China with the worship of Buddha. But still diversities, corresponding…

The so-called Attic base is the form which most frequently occurs; and consists of two tori separated by a cavetto, the whole having a plinth as basis; the upper torus being less high and projecting than the lower.

Attic Base in the Temple of Minerva Polias

The so-called Attic base is the form which most frequently occurs; and consists of two tori separated…

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae. It is supposed to represent the piece of timber through which the wooden pegs were driven in order to hold the rafter in position, and it follows the sloping rake of the roof. In the Roman Doric order the mutule was horizontal, with sometimes a crowning fillet, so that it virtually fulfilled the purpose of the modillion in the Corinthian cornice.

Mutule, Side View

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae.…

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae. It is supposed to represent the piece of timber through which the wooden pegs were driven in order to hold the rafter in position, and it follows the sloping rake of the roof. In the Roman Doric order the mutule was horizontal, with sometimes a crowning fillet, so that it virtually fulfilled the purpose of the modillion in the Corinthian cornice.

Mutule, Front View

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae.…

Ante-fixae, the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan, or Greek temple, as spaced they take the place of the cymatium and form a cresting along the sides of the temple. The face of the ante-fixae was richly carved with the anthemion ornament.

Ante-fixae

Ante-fixae, the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan,…

Ante-fixae (from Latin antefigere, to fasten before), the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan, or Greek temple; as spaced they take the place of the cymatium and form a cresting along the sides of the temple. The face of the ante-fixae was richly carved with the anthemion ornament.

Ante-fixae

Ante-fixae (from Latin antefigere, to fasten before), the vertical blocks which terminate the covering…

Egg-and-dart is an ornamental device often carved in wood, stone, or plaster quarter-round ovolo mouldings, consisting of an egg-shaped object alternating with an element shaped like an arrow, anchor or dart. Egg-and-dart enrichment of the ovolo molding of the Ionic capital is found in Ancient Greek architecture at the Erechtheion and was used by the Romans.

Egg-and-Dart

Egg-and-dart is an ornamental device often carved in wood, stone, or plaster quarter-round ovolo mouldings,…

The Overlap of Leaf is a Roman candelabrum design.

Overlap of Leaf

The Overlap of Leaf is a Roman candelabrum design.

The Roman Leaf design is shown as a capital of a column in Pantheon, Rome. The spoon-like roundings of the points of the leaves, as well as the deep incisions are designed to look good from a distance.

Roman Leaf

The Roman Leaf design is shown as a capital of a column in Pantheon, Rome. The spoon-like roundings…

The Roman Capital Leaf has rounder and broader tips.

Roman Capital Leaf

The Roman Capital Leaf has rounder and broader tips.

The Leaf Displayed is often used as a design on Roman reliefs, however, it is more richly developed on Florentine Pilasters.

Leaf Displayed

The Leaf Displayed is often used as a design on Roman reliefs, however, it is more richly developed…

The Roman Cup is an artificial foliage design that has serrated edges, made to look like natural desgins.

Roman Cup

The Roman Cup is an artificial foliage design that has serrated edges, made to look like natural desgins.

The Roman Ornament design is also called the "Medicean Pilaster".

Roman Ornament

The Roman Ornament design is also called the "Medicean Pilaster".

The Roman Ornament is a marble biga design that is from an imitation of an original in bronze.

Roman Ornament

The Roman Ornament is a marble biga design that is from an imitation of an original in bronze.

This Roman Ornament design comes from a "Florentine Pilaster". It is a richly decorated marble relief that comes from Uffizi, Florence.

Roman Ornament

This Roman Ornament design comes from a "Florentine Pilaster". It is a richly decorated marble relief…

The Laurel branches were found in a the silver treasure of Hildesheim, Rome.

Laurel Branches

The Laurel branches were found in a the silver treasure of Hildesheim, Rome.

These Laurel Design Fragment is a design found on a Roman marble relief.

Laurel Design Fragment

These Laurel Design Fragment is a design found on a Roman marble relief.

The Scroll ornament vine is a Roman relief design.

Scroll Ornament Vine

The Scroll ornament vine is a Roman relief design.

The Roman Ornament Vine is used as a vertical border.

Roman Ornament Vine

The Roman Ornament Vine is used as a vertical border.

This Roman column is a fragment taken from the Vatican, Rome.

Roman Column

This Roman column is a fragment taken from the Vatican, Rome.

The Roman Festoon is a bouquet of fruit shown between two animal skulls.

Roman Festoon

The Roman Festoon is a bouquet of fruit shown between two animal skulls.

The Roman Mortuary Tablet Festoon is found in the Vatican.

Roman Mortuary Tablet Festoon

The Roman Mortuary Tablet Festoon is found in the Vatican.

The Roman Leaf Festoon was hung as a decoration on the friezes of temples, alternating with the real skulls of slaughtered sacrificial animals.

Roman Leaf Festoon

The Roman Leaf Festoon was hung as a decoration on the friezes of temples, alternating with the real…

The Roman Griffin has the body of a Lion and the head and wings of an Eagle. The Griffin is usually associated with Antiquity and fire, and appears on Candelabras and friezes.

Roman Griffin

The Roman Griffin has the body of a Lion and the head and wings of an Eagle. The Griffin is usually…