Xystus (architectural term)
Encyclopedia
Xystus was the Greek
architectural
term for the covered portico
of the gymnasium
, in which the exercises took place during the winter or in rainy weather, etc. The Romans
applied the term to the garden walk in front of the porticoes, which was divided into flower beds with borders of box
, and to a promenade between rows of large trees. The term took its name from the Greek word xustos, meaning "smooth", due to the polished floor of the xystus. "Xystus" was used, by extension, to refer to the whole building containing the gymnasium and portico, as in the xysti of Jerusalem and Elis
. The Xystus of Jerusalem was a famous building erected in the Judaeo-Hellenistic period probably under Herodian rule.
The Xystus of Elis was a famous gymnasium consisting of a vast enclosure surrounded by a wall. The gymnasium was by far the largest in ancient Greece, because all the athletes in the Olympic games were required to undergo one month's training there prior to the opening of the games. Within the Xystus, there were special places for runners; these places were separated from each other by plane trees.
The 1913 edition of Webster's Dictionary lists xyst as an alternative spelling for xystus, and xystarch as the term for a superintendent of a xystus. In Latin, xystum is the accusative case of the nominative xystus; in modern architecture, xystum
has a different meaning from xystus.
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
architectural
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
term for the covered portico
Portico
A portico is a porch leading to the entrance of a building, or extended as a colonnade, with a roof structure over a walkway, supported by columns or enclosed by walls...
of the gymnasium
Gymnasium (ancient Greece)
The gymnasium in ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public games. It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual pursuits. The name comes from the Ancient Greek term gymnós meaning "naked". Athletes competed in the nude, a practice said to...
, in which the exercises took place during the winter or in rainy weather, etc. The Romans
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....
applied the term to the garden walk in front of the porticoes, which was divided into flower beds with borders of box
Buxus
Buxus is a genus of about 70 species in the family Buxaceae. Common names include box or boxwood ....
, and to a promenade between rows of large trees. The term took its name from the Greek word xustos, meaning "smooth", due to the polished floor of the xystus. "Xystus" was used, by extension, to refer to the whole building containing the gymnasium and portico, as in the xysti of Jerusalem and Elis
Elis
Elis, or Eleia is an ancient district that corresponds with the modern Elis peripheral unit...
. The Xystus of Jerusalem was a famous building erected in the Judaeo-Hellenistic period probably under Herodian rule.
The Xystus of Elis was a famous gymnasium consisting of a vast enclosure surrounded by a wall. The gymnasium was by far the largest in ancient Greece, because all the athletes in the Olympic games were required to undergo one month's training there prior to the opening of the games. Within the Xystus, there were special places for runners; these places were separated from each other by plane trees.
The 1913 edition of Webster's Dictionary lists xyst as an alternative spelling for xystus, and xystarch as the term for a superintendent of a xystus. In Latin, xystum is the accusative case of the nominative xystus; in modern architecture, xystum
Xystum
A Xystum is an architectural term. It can refer to a wall, promenade, alley or open path. It can also refer to an atrium, ambulacrum, or parvis in front of a basilica.-Source:*...
has a different meaning from xystus.