Naiskos

A naiskos (Greek ναΐσκος " temple ", diminutive to Naos "temple" ) is a small temple in a classic building code with columns or pillars with triangular gable. It was used also as an artistic motif. In this use, it is not rare. It can be found in the architecture of temples such as in Aigeira or Didyma, but especially in the small Greek architecture cemeteries as grave reliefs or shrines such as at the Kerameikos in Athens and the Greek red-figure vase painting as Naïskosvasen. They show such Naiskoi portraits of people who had died. The columns between the outer walls are, therefore, not shown. Furthermore, there are figurines of Naiskoi or other temples species that have been executed in terracotta such as the Louvre in Paris. This may have been votive offerings and have served as small shrines in the private living space. The naiskos always has a religious background, especially in the cult of the dead in ancient Greece.

Another word for a comparable building in ancient Rome, the shrine, but not the same as a naiskos. It also occurs as a grave system. Sometimes, as with triumphal arches, but it has a representative public function. This was so not the Greek naiskos.