What is Column?
[[Image:Kolumna sw Marka Piazzetta Wenecja.jpg|thumb|Column at St Mark's Square in [[Venice]]]] A '''column''' in [[architecture]] is a [[wikt:vertical|vertical]] element that transmits the weight of the structure above to the structure below. Columns can be either a single piece or several pieces put together. Columns are frequently used to support [[beam (structure)|beam]]s or [[arch]]es on which the upper parts of [[wall]]s or [[ceiling]]s rest. ==History== [[Image:Egypt.LuxorTemple.01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Columns at [[Luxor]].]] Stone columns were already used in the architecture of [[ancient Egypt]] as early as [[2600 BC]]. {{commons|Column}} {{stub}} [[Category:Architectural elements]]