Arcubalista, R. (βάλλω, to throw). A machine for hurling arrows, somewhat similar to a cross-bow.
Arcubus. (See Arquebus.)
Arcula, R. Diminutive of Arca (q.v.). (1) A small chest. (2) A colour-box used by encaustic painters. (3) A small sepulchre, or stone coffin.
Arculum, R. A garland which the Dialis (Priest of Jupiter) wore on his head while sacrificing; it consisted of one or two pomegranate boughs bent into a circle and fastened with fillets of white or red wool.
Arcuma, R. A small carriage constructed to hold only one person. (See Plaustrum, Chiramaxium, Vehiculum.)
Arcus, R. (1) A bow for discharging arrows. There were many kinds in use among the ancients. Those of the Greeks and Romans presented on the whole much analogy with each other, while the Scythian bow differed entirely from both. (2) An arch of masonry; the arcus triumphalis was a triumphal arch. The Romans never used any other form of arch than the semicircle.
Ardenti. Literary Academies of this name existed at Pisa, at Naples, and at Viterbo.
Area, R. (1) Any broad, open and level space, and so a square or parade. Areæ were adorned with fountains and statues set up in honour of some divinity, who frequently gave his name to the spot. Thus at Rome there were the area Apollinis, area Mercurii, &c. (2) A threshing-floor in a field.
Arena, R. (1) Sand; a material employed in building. (2) The level space forming the area of an amphitheatre.
Arenaria, R. A Roman game of ball for two persons; it derived its name from the fact that the ball was made to rebound from the ground (arena).