Xystus derives from the Greek xustos, meaning smooth, and describes a place for exercise. In the gardens of Pompeii, the xystus was a place for horticulture. Example 1 Example 2 - DEFINITIONS Return to glossary index - DEFINITIONS Return to glossary index
1. A covered colonnade, as originally used for exercise by Greek athletes. 2. A garden walk, usually bordered by trees.
Xystus was the Greek architectural term for the covered portico of the gymnasium, in which the exercises took place during the winter or in rainy weather. The Romans applied the term to the garden walk in front of the porticoes, which was divided into flower beds with borders of box, and to a promenade between rows of large trees.