<P> Above the frieze , or an intermediate member , e.g. the dentil of the Ionic or Corinthian orders , the cornice protrudes notably . It consists of the geison ( on the sloped sides or pediments of the narrow walls a sloped geison ) , and the sima . On the long side , the sima , often elaborately decorated , was equipped with water spouts , often in the shape of lions ' heads . The pedimental triangle or tympanon on the narrow sides of the temple was created by the Doric introduction of the gabled roof , earlier temples often had hipped roofs . The tympanon was usually richly decorated with sculptures of mythical scenes or battles . The corners and ridges of the roof were decorated with acroteria , originally geometric , later floral or figural decorations . </P>
<P> Above the frieze , or an intermediate member , e.g. the dentil of the Ionic or Corinthian orders , the cornice protrudes notably . It consists of the geison ( on the sloped sides or pediments of the narrow walls a sloped geison ) , and the sima . On the long side , the sima , often elaborately decorated , was equipped with water spouts , often in the shape of lions ' heads . The pedimental triangle or tympanon on the narrow sides of the temple was created by the Doric introduction of the gabled roof , earlier temples often had hipped roofs . The tympanon was usually richly decorated with sculptures of mythical scenes or battles . The corners and ridges of the roof were decorated with acroteria , originally geometric , later floral or figural decorations . </P>
what is the triangular shaped area at each end of the greek temple called
what is the triangular shaped area at each end of the greek temple called
tympanon
tympanon