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sfendona (Greek)

The semicircular part of an ancient stadium.

skene (Greek)

In Ancient Greek theatre – the building behind the orchestra serving as a background of the performances. Originally – a hut for the preparation of the actors.

smalt

Coloured opaque glass cubes or small plates, glass-paste, used for creation of mosaics. It is produced from a mineral called smaltite containing cobalt. Hence the blue color of the smalt.

spina (Latin)

Wall or barrier in the middle of hippodromes, stadiums and circuses.

stadium (Greek)

Long track with levelled surface, one stadion (stade) long (ca. 185 m), whence comes the name of the facility. Used for sports and competitions. Usually equipped with tiered seats for spectators.

stereobata, stereobate, pl. stereobatae, stereobates (Greek)

Top of a foundation of well cut stone blocks, designed as a base for a building.

stylobate (Greek)

Continuous base or platform serving as a foundation of a row of columns, usually the top part of stereobate.

substructure (Latin)

Foundations, underground part of a building.

superstructure (Latin)

The part of a structure or a building above the foundations.

synthronus (Greek)

Semicircular rows of seats in the apse of the presbytery of Early Christian churches, designed to serve as seating for the clergy.