Antefixes

/ˈæntɪfɪksɪz/ noun

Definition

Decorative tiles or ornaments attached to the edge of a roof, especially on ancient Roman and Greek buildings.

Etymology

From Latin 'ante' (before) and 'fixus' (fixed), literally 'fixed in front.' These architectural elements were fixed to the front edges of roof tiles to both decorate and protect the building's edges.

Kelly Says

Roman builders figured out that the exposed edges of roof tiles looked ugly and weathered quickly, so they invented these gorgeous ornamental caps that solved both problems—form and function meeting perfectly 2,000 years ago.

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