What Latin term corresponds to the Greek naos, the inner chamber of a temple?

What Latin term corresponds to the Greek naos, the inner chamber of a temple?

• A. Cella
• B. Nave
• C. Atrium
• D. Forum

Answer: (A)

The inner sanctuary of a temple—the space that housed the cult statue—has a distinct term in Latin. The Greek naos refers to that central, sacred chamber, and in Latin architectural vocabulary the same space is called the cella. This is the room behind the porch (pronaos) where the statue stands, and it is the focal point of the temple’s interior. Nave, atrium, and forum are different architectural features: the nave is the central aisle of a Christian church; the atrium is an open courtyard or entry space; and the forum is a public civic square.

The inner sanctuary of a temple—the space that housed the cult statue—has a distinct term in Latin. The Greek naos refers to that central, sacred chamber, and in Latin architectural vocabulary the same space is called the cella. This is the room behind the porch (pronaos) where the statue stands, and it is the focal point of the temple’s interior.

Nave, atrium, and forum are different architectural features: the nave is the central aisle of a Christian church; the atrium is an open courtyard or entry space; and the forum is a public civic square.