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Hemicycle

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

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• Hemicycle
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1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Hemicycle

(Gr. .tt - , half, and Ki)KXos, circle), a semicircular recess of considerable size which formed one of the most conspicuous features in the Roman Thermae, where it was always covered with a hemispherical vault. A small example exists in Pompeii, in the street of tombs, with a seat round inside, where those who came to pay their respects to the departed could rest. An immense hemicycle was designed by Bramante for the Vatican, where it constitutes a fine architectural effect at the end of the great court.