PRESBYTERY, the eastern part of a church, the chancel. PROFILE (of a moulding), the outline which it would present if cut across at right angles to its length. PRONAOS, the front portion or vestibule to a temple. PROPYLÆA, in Greek architecture, a grand portal or state entrance. PROTHYRUM, in a Roman house, the porch or entrance. PSEUDO-PERIPTERAL, resembling, but not really being peristylar. PYLON, or PRO-PYLON, the portal or front of an Egyptian temple. QUADRIGA, a four-horse chariot. ROMANESQUE, the style of Christian architecture which was founded on Roman work. ROTUNDA, a building circular in plan. SACRISTY, the part of a church where the treasures belonging to the church are preserved. SHINTO TEMPLES, temples (in Japan) devoted to the Shinto religion. SPAN, the space over which an arch or a roof extends. SPINA, the central wall of a Roman racecourse. STILTED, raised, usually applied to an arch when its centre is above the top of the jambs from which it springs. STRUTS, props. STUPA, in Indian architecture, a mound or tope. STYLOBATE, a series of steps, usually those leading up to a Classic temple. TAAS, a pagoda. TABLINUM, in a Roman house, the room between the atrium and the peristyle. TALAR, in Assyrian architecture, an open upper story. TENONED, fastened with a projection or tenon. TESSELATED, made of small squares of material, applied to coarse mosaic work. TETRASTYLE, with four columns. THERMÆ, the great bathing establishments of the Romans. TOPES, in Indian architecture, artificial mounds. TRABEATED, constructed with a beam or beams, a term usually employed in contrast to arches. TRICLINIUM, in a Roman house, the dining-room. TRIGLYPH, the channelled feature in the frieze of the Doric order. TUMULI, mounds, usually sepulchral. TYPHONIA, small Egyptian temples. VELARIUM, a great awning. VESTIBULE, the outer hall or ante-room. VOLUTES, in Classic architecture, the curled ornaments of the Ionic capital. VOUSSOIRS, the wedge-shaped stones of which arches are made. N.B. For the explanation of other technical words found in this volume, consult the Glossary given with the companion volume on Gothic and Renaissance Architecture. [Illustration: THE TEMPLE OF VESTA AT TIVOLI.] [Illustration] ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. Architecture may be described as building at its best, and when we talk of the architecture of any city or country we mean its best, noblest, or most beautiful buildings; and we imply by the use of the word that these buildings possess merits which entitle them to rank as works of art.