WORLD CIVILIZATION

Detailed explanation-1: -Porta Marzia (III Century b.C.) was the most important South-oriented gate of the city. On the occasion of the construction of the Rocca Paolina, Antonio da Sangallo dismantled and recessed its upper part, pushing it back by four meters into the façade of the fort.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Etruscan Arch is sided by two trapezoidal towers, protruding from the walls and some 20 meters (60 feet) high. The arch span is not in line with the walls, but slightly oblique; above it, a frame is surmounted by shield-shaped circles, alternating with half pilasters with Ionic capitals.

Detailed explanation-3: -One of the best-documented Etruscan temples is the c. 510 BCE Portonaccio Temple at Veii. It was built on an almost square base of volcanic tufa blocks measuring 18.5 m along the sides. With a front stepped-entrance, columned veranda, side entrance, and three-part cella, it does match Vitruvius’ description.

Detailed explanation-4: -Roman writers described an Etruscan temple as a high podium on which rose a broad, square building with gabled roof, wide overhang, and deep porch. Inside, three dark chambers ended in solid walls. In front of the temple was an augural area, where priests stood to observe messages from the gods in the flight of birds.