apadana

noun

Meaning

A large hypostyle hall featuring a roof supported by numerous columns, characteristic of ancient Persian architecture.

Examples

  • Archaeologists uncovered the remains of the grand apadana, revealing the scale of the king's royal reception area.
  • The intricate stone carvings on the apadana walls depicted delegations from across the empire bringing gifts.

Synonyms: hall, auditorium, hypostyle, colonnade