Atlantes
Pondus et informes Atlantes ferre priores Jussit et expletum.
ATLANTES(ἄτλαντες) and TELAMO´NES (τελαμῶνες) are terms used in architecture, the former by the Greeks, the latter by the Romans, to designate those male figures which are sometimes fancifully used, like the female Caryatides, in place of columns (Vitr. 5.7.6, Schneid.). Both words are derived from τλῆναι, and the former evidently refers to the fable of Atlas, who supported the vault of heaven, the latter perhaps to the strength of the Telamonian Ajax.
The Greek architects used such figures sparingly, and generally with some adaptation to the character of the building. They were much more freely used in tripods, thrones, and so forth.
They were also applied as ornaments to the sides of a vessel, having the appearance of supporting the upper works; as in the ship of Hiero, described by Athenaeus (5. p. 208 b).
A representation of such figures is given in the preceding woodcut, from the temple of Jupiter Olympius at Agrigentum. (Müller, Archäol. d. Kunst, § 279; Mauch, Die Griech. u. Rom. Bau-Ordnungen, p. 88.)
[P.S]ATLANTES(Ἄτλαντες), a people in the interior of Libya, inhabiting one of the chain of oases formed by salt hills, which are described by Herodotus as extending along the N. of the Great Desert ( Sahara), ten days' journey W. of the ATARANTESand in the vicinity of M. ATLASwhence they derived their name. They were reported to abstain from using any living thing for food, and to see no visions in their sleep. (Hdt. 4.184; Mela, 1.8.5; Plin. Nat. 5.8; respecting the common confusion in the names see ATARANTES) Herodotus adds, that they were the furthest (i. e. to the W.) of the people known to him as inhabiting the ridge of salt hills; but that the ridge itself extended as far as the pillars of Hercules, or even beyond them (4.185). The attempts of Rennell, Heeren, and others to assign the exact position of the people, from the data supplied by Herodotus, cannot be considered satisfactory. (Rennell, Geogr. of Herod, vol. ii. pp. 301, 311; Heeren, Ideen, vol. ii. pt. 1. p. 243.)
[P.S](Ἄτλαντες). An African people living near Mt. Atlas who daily cursed the sun at its rising and setting for its heat. (Herod.iv. 184).
(ἄτλαντες) and Telamōnes (τελαμῶνες). Terms used in architecture, the former by the Greeks, the latter by the Romans, to designate those male figures which are sometimes fancifully used, like the female caryatides, in place of columns. Both words are derived from τλῆναι, and the former evidently refers to the fable of Atlas, who supported the vault of heaven; the latter perhaps to the strength of the Telamonian Aiax. A representation of such figures is given in the preceding illustration, from the temple of Zeus Olympius at Agrigentum. See Caryatides.
- Hdt. 4.184
- identical with Nasamonians: Paus. 1.33.5
Supporting members of a building carved to look like nude or draped male figures. Roman term: Telamones.
- Caryatid