Karak Resources Project

Acroterion

A decorative projection, usually found on the corners above a door or window.

Adyton

A Latin term describing the inner chamber or the most holy area of a temple, usually containing an image of the deity worshiped there. The adyton is an inner room reached from the cella.

Architrave

The main bean resting directly on top of a column; the lowest member of an entablature.

Archivolts

Bands or moldings around an arches opening.

Ashlar

A type of hewn stone, generally rectangular and large in size.

Attic

External: Raised store above the cornice of the building or the entablature of the temple, serving an ornamental function.

Internal: Small room above the adyton or cella.

Barrel Vault

A continuous rounded vault with no cross vaults, like the shape of a barrel. It resembles a barrel cut in half lengthwise.

Base

A carved foundation stone for a column, usually larger in diameter.

Buttress

Any vertical prop or support for a structure, sometimes independent of the structure itself.

Capital

A separate, carved stone or façade placed on top of a column to hold the lintel, usually highly decorated.

Cella

A Greek term used of the holy area within a temple, usually where one worships.

Cistern

An underground area used to store water. Unlike a well, water does not naturally flow into a cistern from a subterranean source.

Cornice

A ledge-like crown projecting from a wall.

Cushion Capital

A simple rectangular or cube-like capital with the bottom corners tapered.

Entablature

A lintel-like feature supported by columns or pilasters and usually placed over a doorway or window.

Fillet

A thin, horizontal band in a straight profile, usually found on a cornice, architrave, or entablature, for decoration.

Foliate Capital

A capital decorated with foliage elements.

Frieze

An elongated carved architectural decoration.

Jamb

A vertical element of a doorway or window frame.

Key Stone

The voussoir at the top of an arch. It is important structurally since it marks the apex of the vault.

Khirbet

Arabic word meaning ancient ruin.

Niche

An inset carved or built into a structure that resembles a window, where a statue or a decoration may be placed.

Pediment

A roof-like façade carve above a doorway, a window, or a niche.

Pilaster

Column-like features carved into a building. A pilaster is a column façade.

Rise

The vertical distance between the spring line and the key stone of an arch or vault.

Sill

The base or support at the bottom of a niche or window.

Span

The horizontal distance between the two supporting members of a vault or arch.

Spring Line

The point or line where an arch or vault begins to curve.

Springer

The lowest voussoir on each side of an arch. It is where the vertical support for the arch terminates and the curve of the arch begins.

Threshold

A beam or support below a doorway.

Tympanum

The triangular area within the recess of a pediment.

Voussoir

One of the wedge-shaped stones used in constructing an arch.

Wadi

A valley with a dry riverbed.