atrium

(noun)

a square hall lit by daylight from above, into which rooms open at one or more levels

Related Terms

Examples of atrium in the following topics:

  • Architecture at Pompeii

    • Clients entered the house through the fauces (Latin for "jaw"), which was a narrow entryway into an atrium.
    • The atrium was the most important part of the house as the spot where clients and guests were greeted.
    • The atrium was often richly decorated with thematic frescos and images of the patron's ancestors.
    • Cubicula, or rooms, lined the atrium, and at the far end was the tablinum.
    • The main attributes of their house were the atrium and the large garden peristyle, surrounded by decorated triclinium and a garden complete with fountains, statues, and flowers.

  • Architecture in the Early Byzantine Empire

    • The western arm of the cross extended farther than the others, forming an atrium.
    • When the church was built, it shared its narthex, atrium and propylaea with another church.

  • Painting

    • The atrium of the House of the Tragic Poet includes a series of paintings depicting scenes from the Trojan War.

  • Painting in the Early Roman Empire

    • The style is often found in the fauces (entrance hall) and atrium (large open-air room) of a Roman domus (house).
    • The atrium of the House of the Tragic Poet includes a series of paintings depicting scenes from the Trojan War.

  • Architecture under the Nervan-Antonines

    • On the island sits a small Roman house complete with an atrium, a library, a triclinium, and small baths.

  • Roman Sculpture under the Republic

    • Made of wax, bronze, marble, and terra cotta, death masks were kept by families and displayed in the atrium of their homes.