AcROTERiA. The small pedestals placed on the ex-
tremities and apex of a pediment. They are
usually without bases or plinths, and were origi-
nally intended to receive statues. Vitruvius gives
rules for their dimensions. Some use the word
Acroterion to signify a figure of stone or metal
placed on tlie top of a building, but in its strict
meaning the term ought only to be applied to the
pedestals above-mentioned.
Alcove. The original and strict meaning of this word
which is derived from the Spanish Alcoba, is
confined to that part of a bed chamber in which
the bed stands, separated from the other parts of
the room by columns or pilasters. The seats in
gardens have however in this country been de-
signated by this term.
Alto Relievo. See Relief.
Amphiprostylos. In antient architecture, a temple
with columns in the rear as well as in the front.
SECT. V. OP TECHNICAL TERMS. 179

Amphitheatre. A double theatre, of an elliptical
form on the plan, for the exhibition of the antient
gladiatorial fights and other shows. Its Arena or
Pitf in which those exhibitions took place, was en-
compassed with seats rising above each other, and
the exterior had the accommodation of porticos or
arcades for the public. It was distinguished from
a theatre, by its consisting of two theatres placed
end to end.
The remains of four very considerable amphi-
theatres are still in existence. That of Pola in
Istria. The Coliseum at Roipe, built by Vespa-
sian. One at Verona, and the fourth in Langue-
doc, near Nismes, besides some others.
Ancones. The consoles or ornaments cut on the key-
stones of arches, or on the sides of door-cases.
They are sometimes made use of to support busts
or other figures.
