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File:Massimo Pigliucci-Stoa of Attalos.jpg
The restored Stoa of Attalos in Athens, with busts of historical philosophers.

A stoa (Template:IPAc-en; plural, stoas,<ref name="oebvxd">"stoa", Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1989</ref> stoai,<ref name="oebvxd" /> or stoae Template:IPAc-en<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>), in ancient Greek architecture, is a covered walkway or portico, commonly for public use.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Early stoas were open at the entrance with columns, usually of the Doric order, lining the side of the building; they created a safe, enveloping, protective atmosphere.

This, an "open-fronted shelter with a lean-to roof", is the meaning in modern usage, but in fact the ancient Greeks "made no clear distinction in their speech" between these and large enclosed rooms with similar functions.<ref>Lawrence, 252</ref>

Later examples were built as two storeys, and incorporated inner colonnades usually in the Ionic style, where shops or sometimes offices were located. These buildings were open to the public; merchants could sell their goods, artists could display their artwork, and religious gatherings could take place. Stoas usually surrounded the marketplaces or agora of large cities and were used as a framing device.<ref name=khan>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Other examples were designed to create safe, protective atmospheres which combined useful inside and outside space. The name of the Stoic school of philosophy derives from "stoa".<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Famous stoasEdit

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See alsoEdit

ReferencesEdit

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