MONUMENT, in architecture, build ing destined to preserve the memory, &c. of the person who raised it, or for whom it was raised ; such are, a triumphal arch, a mausoleum, a pyramid, &c. The first monuments that were erected, by the an cients, were of stones, which were laid over tombs, on which were cut the names and actions of the deceased. These stones were distinguished by various names, according as their figures were different : the Greeks called those which were square at the base, and were the same depth throughout their whole length, steles ; from whence our square pilasters, or attic columns are derived : those which were round in their base, and ended in a point at top, they called styles; which gave occasion to the inven• tion of diminished columns : those which were square at the foot, and terminated in a point at the top, in the manner ,of a funeral pile, they called pyramids: to those whose bases were more in length than in breadth, and which rose still les sening to a very great height, resembling the figure of the spits or instruments used by the ancients in roasting the flesh of their sacrifices, they called obelisks.
The monument in London, is a mag nificent pillar, erected by order of Par liament, in memory of the burning of the city of London, anno 1666, in the very place where the fire began. This pillar is of stone, of the Doric order, and fluted, being two hundred and two feet high, and the diameter fifteen ; it stands on a pedestal forty feet high, and twenty one feet square, the front being enriched with curious emblems in basso relievo: within are winding stairs, up to the very top.