GREEK. In Greece windows were in use from prehistoric times, but remained quite simple rectangular openings, sometimes slightly smaller at the top: the window' frame was of stone or of wood, as occasion required. in some eases the windows are oblong and double, the lintel being supported in the centre by a pier. The decorative framework of the opening was often not real, but carved in the wall masonry, as in the beau tiful Erechtheion window. The windows, when not left as mere openings, were fitted with grat ings of wood or metal, or with shutters (usually of wood), or with both.
Rom.? N. The Romans made even more use of windows, with greater variety of form and in creased richness of decoration. In private houses those on the streets were ordinarily small and simple (e.g. house of John and Paul on the Cadian. Rome), but windows of temples were often highly elaborate, e.g. in the temple of Vesta
at Tivoli; at Palestrina, surmounted by a eor niee resting on consoles; and in the little temple of the Deus Ilediculus near 'Rome, framed with rich ornamental carving.. Tinder the late Em pire rmind-headed windows beeame common, as at Telinessos in Asia Minor. Of extraordinary beauty are the windows of the Porta (lei Bo-sari at Verona, which with their pilasters and gables undoubtedly served as models for the masters of the Remiss:moo. The great halls of the therinw were lighted by huge semicircular clear story windows, fitted with elaborate bronze gratings. The use of glass was far commoner than is imagined, beginning even in Republican times and probably derived from Alexandria and Antioch. Even commoner was the use of trans parent stones called specularth, the choicest of winch came from Spain.