The term ex-voto comes from the Latin phrase "ex voto suscepto", meaning "from the vow made". In fact, ex-votos were small objects such as terracotta statuettes or painted tablets, which worshippers took to sanctuaries as offerings to the gods, to thank them for granting their requests or to make ...

The cavea is the set of steps in an amphitheatre or theatre where spectators would sit to attend plays, games and other forms of entertainment. It is divided into sectors called "cunei". ...

The Cavea, koilon in greek, is the set of steps, divided into areas called "wedges", an amphitheater or a classical theater, where they took their seats for the spectators attend performances, games and other entertainment. [dettaglio_immagine id="18790"]...

According to the Holy Scriptures, all Jewish purification rites take place "per aquas" (by water). The water used for bathing must be very pure, and cannot be transported by hand or pipes. The mikveh must therefore be connected to a natural source or an aquifer; it can also be fed by rainwater or ...

Gelon was born in Gela in 540 BC. He was ruler of Gela (491-485 BC), then of Syracuse from 485 BC until his death. During his life he was given important military and diplomatic assignments in matters relating to Magna Graecia. Thanks to the marriage of his daughter Demarete to Theron, he marrie...

Unleavened bread, i.e. bread with no yeast, is a type of bread prepared with grain flour and water, like all other bread, but without the fermentation process. Unleavened bread is used as a ritual food during Passover in memory of the hasty exodus from Egypt, during which, according to the Bible an...

In Greek temples, pediments were the triangular spaces placed on the short sides, above the architrave. They were often decorated inside with statues or relief that recounted mythological events, such as the Gigantomachy and the Trojan War, in order to make the power of their people and their deitie...

An architectural structure that forms the base of a building. It can be built on the laying surface, at ground level, or below ground, in a more stable area....

The etymology of the Latin word catacumba is uncertain. It is thought to derive from the Greek locution katá kymbḗs: "near the caves." These underground cemetery areas were usually excavated in the tuff and could be even thirty meters deep. The most famous catacombs were the Christian ones: the...

Also known as the river kingfisher, this bird has a round body, short tail and a rather big head with an elongated beak. The most characteristic aspect of the kingfisher is its colouring: its back and head have a beautiful blue colour with sea green iridescence, while its breast and eyes are brown...