. As a
Greek term, [Greek: xystos] means a colonnade of large dimensions in
which athletes exercise in the winter time. But our people apply the
term "xysta" to uncovered walks, which the Greeks call [Greek:
paradromides]. Again, [Greek: prothyra] means in Greek the entrance
courts before the front doors; we, however, use the term "prothyra" in
the sense of the Greek [Greek: diathyra].

[Illustration: _From Mitt. d. Deutsch. Arch. Inst_.

GREEK HOUSE DISCOVERED AT PERGAMUM IN 1903

13. Prothyron. 7. Tablinum.]

6. Again, figures in the form of men supporting mutules or coronae, we
term "telamones"--the reasons why or wherefore they are so called are
not found in any story--but the Greeks name them [Greek: atlantes]. For
Atlas is described in story as holding up the firmament because, through
his vigorous intelligence and ingenuity, he was the first to cause men
to be taught about the courses of the sun and moon, and the laws
governing the revolutions of all the constellations. Consequently, in
recognition of this benefaction, painters and sculptors represent him
as holding up the firmament, and the Atlantides, his daughters, whom we
call "Vergiliae" and the Greeks [Greek: Pleiades], are consecrated in
the firmament among the constellations.

7. All this, however, I have not set forth for the purpose of changing
the usual terminology or language, but I have thought that it should be
explained so that it may be known to scholars.

I have now explained the usual ways of planning houses both in the
Italian fashion and according to the practices of the Greeks, and have
described, with regard to their symmetry, the proportions of the
different classes. Having, therefore, already written of their beauty
and propriety, I shall next explain, with reference to durability, how
they may be built to last to a great age without defects.

CHAPTER VIII

ON FOUNDATIONS AND SUBSTRUCTURES

1. Houses which are set level with the ground will no doubt last to a
great age, if their foundations are laid in the manner which we have
explained in the earlier books, with regard to city walls and theatres.
But if underground rooms and vaults are intended, their foundations
ought to be thicker than the walls which are to be constructed in the
upper part of the house, and the walls, piers, and columns of the latter
should be set perpendicularly over the middle of the foundation walls
below, so that they may have solid bearing; for