Atellanæ (sc. fabulæ), R. A farce, so called from its having originated in Atella, a city of the Osci, in Campania. Hence the name of Oscan games (ludi Osci). Atellanæ were played by youths of good family, on the conclusion of a tragedy. They were introduced into Rome in the fourth century B.C. These farces were distinguished by their refinement, and freedom from low buffoonery.
Athenæum. A university for literary and scientific studies at Rome, on the Capitoline Hill.
Athyr, Egyp. One of the months of the ancient Egyptians. It was the third of the four months called the months of inundation.
Fig. 47. One of the Atlantes of the Theatre of Bacchus at Athens.
Atlantes, Gr. and R. (from τλῆναι). Human figures so called, in allusion to the story of the Titan Atlas, which were employed instead of columns to support entablatures (Fig. [47]). The Latin equivalent for the term is Telamones. Similar female figures were Caryatides.
Fig. 48. Atlas, a device used by Philip II. of Spain.
Atlas. One of the several devices adopted by Philip II. of Spain was a figure of Hercules bearing on his shoulders and kneeling beneath, the weight of the world; a feat recorded to have been performed by him in order to give relief to Atlas from his customary burden. The motto “Ut quiescat Atlas,” is written on a ribbon.
Atramentale, Atramentarium, Gr. and R. (atramentum, q.v.). An inkstand, of any shape or material whatsoever. Inkstands were made of terra-cotta, bronze, and silver. There is a Pompeian painting in which a double inkstand is represented, one side of which contains black ink, the other an ink of some different colour. There were also portable inkstands called theca. (See Theca.)