Greek-cross A cross with four arms of equal length, often used in the plan of Byzantine churches.

Quincunx (1) A pattern used by gardeners with five points arranged four on the edges of a square and
one in the center. (2) The composition of a church where four domes are placed symmetrically around a
larger central dome

palatine chapel A chapel built into a palace, reserved for the royal court

synagogues A Jewish hall for worship

martyrium A building (usually with a central plan) marking a holy site for Christians, such as places in the
stories of Jesus and the apostles or where martyrs were sacrificed.

Mosaic Surface decoration formed by small cubes of glass or stone (tesserae) set in mortar or plaster

Pendentives A curving triangular surface or spandrel that makes the transition from the corners of a
square or polygonal room to a circular dome or its drum.

Spandrels The area between two adjacent arches.

Thrust Outward or lateral stress on a structure.

genius loci The god, or special spirit, of a place

imposts A horizontal projection from a wall or post on which an arch rests.

Cupola A small dome, particularly atop a roof or small tower