crepidoma

{{More citations needed|date=December 2007}}

File:Crepidoma-stereobate-stylobate.svg

In classical Greek architecture, crepidoma ({{langx|grc|κρηπίδωμα}}) is the foundation of one or more steps on which the superstructure of a building is erected{{r|dogara}}{{r|ofda}}. Usually the crepidoma has three levels{{r|robertson|p=41}}{{r|dinsmoor|p=65,216}}, especially in Doric temples{{r|ofc}}. However, exceptions are common: For example, the Heraion at Olympia features only two steps{{r|dinsmoor|p=64}}, and the Olympeion at Agrigento, Sicily has four{{r|dinsmoor|p=90}}.

Each level of crepidoma typically decreases in size incrementally going upwards, forming a series of steps along all or some sides of the building{{citation needed|reason=Robertson does not mention this, though it's obvious from illustrations he uses.|date=November 2024}}. The crepidoma rests on the euthynteria ({{langx|grc|ἡ εὐθυντηρία}}) or foundation{{r|robertson|p=41}}, which historically was constructed of locally available stone for the sake of economy{{citation needed|reason=Robertson says nothing about the sourcing of material used.|date=November 2024}}.

File:Palmyra Tétrapylon 02.jpg at Palmyra, Syria]]

The topmost level of the crepidoma is called the stylobate ({{langx|grc|ὁ στῡλοβᾰ́της}}) and it is the platform for the columns ({{langx|grc|οἵ στῦλοι}} - {{Transliteration|grc|styloi}}){{r|ofda}}{{r|saflund_et_al|p=111}}{{r|dinsmoor|p=221}}. The lower levels of the crepidoma are called the stereobates{{r|dinsmoor|p=221}}. The step-like arrangement of the crepidoma may extend around all four sides of a structure like a temple, for example, on the Parthenon. On some temples, the steps extend only across the front façade, or they may wrap around the sides for a short distance, a detail that is called a return, as seen at the Sanctuary of Despoina at Lycosoura.

It is common for the hidden portions of each level of the stereobate to be of a lower grade of material than the exposed elements of the steps and the stylobate{{citation needed|reason=Obviously hidden parts would often be of lower grade, just like in two-skin ashlar walls would have it. But, it's not obvious for the general reader.|date=November 2024}}; each higher level of the crepidoma typically covers the clamps used to hold the stones of the lower level together{{citation needed|reason=Is it really so? Clamps were used, but not always, right?|date=November 2024}}. The lower margins of each level of the crepidoma blocks are often cut back in a series of two or three steps to create shadow lines; this decorative technique is termed a reveal{{citation needed|reason=Neither common knowledge nor obvious.|date=November 2024}}.