FASTI´GIUM
FASTI´GIUM (
ἀετός,
ἀέτωμα), literally
a
slope, in architecture
a pediment, is the
triangle which surmounts each end of a rectangular building, and which, in
fact, represents the gable end of the roof. (See woodcut under
ANTAE) It is composed of the
cornice of the entablature which forms its base, the two converging cornices
at the sides, and the
tympanum or flat surface
enclosed by them, so called from its resemblance to a three-cornered
tambourine (
Vitr. 3.3,
4.6;
Cic. de Orat. 3.46.180;
Liv. 40.2). This flat surface was generally
ornamented with
[p. 1.830]sculpture; originally, in the
early temples of Zeus, with a simple eagle as a symbol of the god (
Pind. O. 13.29, and Schol.
ad loc.), an instance of which is afforded by the coin represented
in the following woodcut (Beger.
Spicil. Antiq. p. 6), whence
the Greek name
ἀετὸς which was at first
applied to the
tympanum and afterwards to the
whole pediment; and in after-times with elaborate sculptures in high relief,
such as those in the pediments of the Parthenon,
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Fastigium. (From a coin.)
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non, the fragments of which are among the Elgin Marbles in the
British Museum, where also may be seen a full-sized model of the pediments
of the temple of Zeus Panhellenius, at Aegina, with casts of the statues in
them, restored. Most of the celebrated Greek temples
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Temple at Aegina, restored. (Fergusson.)
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were similarly adorned. (See
Paus.
1.24.5;
2.7.3;
5.10.2;
9.11.4;
Aristoph. Birds 1110.) Terra-cotta
figures were applied in a similar manner by the Romans in the early ages.
(
Cic. de Div. 1.1. 0,
§ 16;
Vitr. 3.2;
Plin. Nat. 35. § § 152, 158; 36.6.) [
ANTEFIXA]
The dwelling-houses of the Romans might have sloping roofs, but ornamental
gables were not allowed; hence, when the word is applied to them, it is not
in its strictly technical sense, but designates the roof simply, and is to
be understood of one which rises to a ridge as distinguished from a flat one
(
Cic. ad Q. Fr. 3.1,
4.14;
Verg. A. 8.491). Among other divine
honours, the Romans decreed to Caesar the liberty of erecting a fastigium to
his house (
Cic. Phil. 2.43, § 110;
Florus,
4.2;
Plut. Caes.
81; comp.
ACROTERIUM), that is, a portico and pediment towards the street like
that of a temple.
[
A.R] [
W.W]
