STEREOBATE Meaning and
Definition
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A stereobate refers to the solid, foundational platform or stylobate that supports and elevates a Greek temple or building. Derived from the Greek words "stereos," meaning solid or firm, and "baino," which translates to go or walk upon, stereobate specifically denotes the lowermost and load-bearing layer of a temple's foundation.
The stereobate typically consists of several large horizontal layers of stone or masonry, usually oriented parallel to the ground surface. These imposing layers are responsible for distributing and balancing the immense weight of the superstructure above, preventing the structure from faltering under its own mass. As a crucial element of classical architecture, the stereobate plays a pivotal role in maintaining the structural integrity and stability of Greek temples.
In its design, the stereobate is often hidden below the visible parts of the building, such as columns or walls, giving the illusion that the temple is floating above the ground. This technique, known as stylobate elevation, imparts a sense of grandeur and ethereality to the structure, highlighting its harmonious integration with the natural landscape.
The stereobate can vary in height and material composition depending on the specific architectural style and period in which it was constructed. Its dimensions are carefully calculated to ensure equilibrium and avoid any potential structural failure. Throughout history, numerous famous Greek temples, such as the Parthenon, employed stereobates to provide a robust foundation that withstood the passage of time and environmental challenges.
Common Misspellings for STEREOBATE
- atereobate
- ztereobate
- xtereobate
- dtereobate
- etereobate
- wtereobate
- srereobate
- sfereobate
- sgereobate
- syereobate
- s6ereobate
- s5ereobate
- stwreobate
- stsreobate
- stdreobate
- strreobate
- st4reobate
- st3reobate
- steeeobate
- stedeobate
Etymology of STEREOBATE
The word "stereobate" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "stereos" (στερεός), meaning "solid" or "firm", and "bathos" (βάθος), meaning "depth" or "base". This word is commonly used in architecture to refer to the solid foundation or the lowermost course of a Greek temple, upon which the columns are supported.
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