isodomic
English translation: built of blocks of equal size, with the joints of one course over the middle of the blocks below
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| 07:16 Nov 18, 2015 |
| English language (monolingual) [PRO] Art/Literary - History / Temple of Zeus | |||||||
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|  Selected response from: Charles Davis Spain Local time: 09:47 | ||||||
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| 4 +3 | built of blocks of equal size, with the joints of one course over the middle of the blocks below |
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Answers
9 mins confidence: 
peer agreement (net): +3
peer agreement (net): +3built of blocks of equal size, with the joints of one course over the middle of the blocks below Explanation: "isodomic: of or relating to isodomon" http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isodomic "isodomon One of the varieties of masonry used in the best period of Greek architecture, in which the blocks forming the courses were of equal thickness and equal length, and so disposed that the vertical joints of an upper course came over the middle of the blocks in the course below it." https://www.wordnik.com/words/isodomon -------------------------------------------------- Note added at 12 mins (2015-11-18 07:29:24 GMT) -------------------------------------------------- This page has a good illustration. This type of construction is known as opus quadratum (a Latin term): "Isodomic opus quadratum Compared with irregular opus quadratum, with its parallelepiped block of diverse shapes and sizes, the masonry techniques developed in particular in conjunction with the construction of temple cellae are of a more refined nature: they involve the use of perfectly regular ashlars, which were subsequently to become the standard for Greek architecture. The range of regular opus quadratum includes the so-called isodomon, generally considered one of the most representative and perfect types; its identical stone blocks are accurately laid in identical, reciprocally staggered courses. These identical blocks (in terms of their depth, height and length – the latter generally being twice the height) were laid in courses where each vertical joint is centred on the block in the course below. This arrangement of the joints is constant; as well as its obvious aesthetic appeal, this method also gives the wall greater stability, as the load is evenly distributed across the entire face of the wall. The isodomic opus quadratum is the constructive style that was to characterise classical Greek architecture, particularly in the monumental areas of the cities of Attica, where numerous elegant white marble constructions were erected (such as the sumptuous buildings composing the Acropolis of Athens)." http://www.architetturadipietra.it/wp/?p=4776 |
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