embalm: process of preserving the dead body

Eros: Greek god of romantic love, son of Aphrodite; known as Cupid by the Romans

Etruscans: people who ruled Etruria, the area of modern-day Tuscany in Italy, from about 750 B.C. to the second century B.C., when they were absorbed by the Romans

false door: a carved or painted door in an Egyptian tomb wall thought to allow the deceased's soul to move in and out of the burial chamber

fauces: entrance passageway of a Roman house

frieze: an ornamental band

Geometric period: 1100–700 B.C. —period of gradual cultural development in Greece after the destruction of the Mycenean Kingdom; the era is named for the geometric decoration typical of the period

gesso: a mixture of glue and chalk or plaster applied to walls or objects and capable of producing a very smooth finish, like polish.

glaze: glossy finish or covering on a surface; glaze can be applied to pottery or it can occur naturally in the heating process of glass-like materials

greaves: bronze shin guards worn by Greek foot soldiers.

griffin: mythological beast with the head, forelegs, and wings of an eagle and the body and hind legs of a lion