and make them dark.
Hence we must apply the following test in this matter. On the side from
which the light should be obtained let a line be stretched from the top
of the wall that seems to obstruct the light to the point at which it
ought to be introduced, and if a considerable space of open sky can be
seen when one looks up above that line, there will be no obstruction to
the light in that situation.

7. But if there are timbers in the way, or lintels, or upper stories,
then, make the opening higher up and introduce the light in this way.
And as a general rule, we must arrange so as to leave places for windows
on all sides on which a clear view of the sky can be had, for this will
make our buildings light. Not only in dining rooms and other rooms for
general use are windows very necessary, but also in passages, level or
inclined, and on stairs; for people carrying burdens too often meet and
run against each other in such places.

I have now set forth the plans used for buildings in our native country
so that they may be clear to builders. Next, I shall describe summarily
how houses are planned in the Greek fashion, so that these also may be
understood.

CHAPTER VII

THE GREEK HOUSE

1. The Greeks, having no use for atriums, do not build them, but make
passage-ways for people entering from the front door, not very wide,
with stables on one side and doorkeepers' rooms on the other, and shut
off by doors at the inner end. This place between the two doors is
termed in Greek [Greek: thyroreion]. From it one enters the peristyle.
This peristyle has colonnades on three sides, and on the side facing the
south it has two antae, a considerable distance apart, carrying an
architrave, with a recess for a distance one third less than the space
between the antae. This space is called by some writers "prostas," by
others "pastas."

[Illustration: PLAN OF VITRUVIUS' GREEK HOUSE ACCORDING TO BECKER]

2. Hereabouts, towards the inner side, are the large rooms in which
mistresses of houses sit with their wool-spinners. To the right and left
of the prostas there are chambers, one of which is called the
"thalamos," the other the "amphithalamos." All round the colonnades are
dining rooms for everyday use, chambers, and rooms for the slaves. This
part of the house is termed "gynaeconitis."

3. In connexion with these there are ampler sets of apartments with more
sumptuous peristyles, surrounded by four colonnades of equal