Column

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Column at St Mark's Square in Venice

A column in architecture is a 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 beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest.

History

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Columns at Luxor.

Stone columns were already used in the architecture of ancient Egypt as early as 2600 BC.