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Crepidoma

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Crepidoma
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In classical Greek architecture, crepidoma (Ancient Greek: κρηπίδωμα) is the foundation of one or more steps on which the superstructure of a building is erected[1][2]. Usually the crepidoma has three levels[3]:41[4]:65,216, especially in Doric temples[5]. However, exceptions are common: For example, the Heraion at Olympia features only two steps[4]:64, and the Olympeion at Agrigento, Sicily has four[4]:90.

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Each level of crepidoma typically decreases in size incrementally going upwards, forming a series of steps along all or some sides of the building[citation needed]. The crepidoma rests on the euthynteria (Ancient Greek: ἡ εὐθυντηρία) or foundation[3]:41, which historically was constructed of locally available stone for the sake of economy[citation needed].

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The crepidoma of the Tetrapylon at Palmyra, Syria

The topmost level of the crepidoma is called the stylobate (Ancient Greek: ὁ στῡλοβᾰ́της) and it is the platform for the columns (Ancient Greek: οἵ στῦλοι - styloi)[2][6]:111[4]:221. The lower levels of the crepidoma are called the stereobates[4]:221. The step-like arrangement of the crepidoma may extend around all four sides of a structure like a temple, for example, on the Parthenon. On some temples, the steps extend only across the front façade, or they may wrap around the sides for a short distance, a detail that is called a return, as seen at the Sanctuary of Despoina at Lycosoura.

It is common for the hidden portions of each level of the stereobate to be of a lower grade of material than the exposed elements of the steps and the stylobate[citation needed]; each higher level of the crepidoma typically covers the clamps used to hold the stones of the lower level together[citation needed]. The lower margins of each level of the crepidoma blocks are often cut back in a series of two or three steps to create shadow lines; this decorative technique is termed a reveal[citation needed].

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