Capital, from the Latin capitellum, diminutive of caput , i.e. head, is an architectural element placed as the end of a load-bearing structure, such as a pilaster or a column. The capital is usually decorated according to the canons of the Classical period and the relevant styles: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, composite. The capitals of the Corinthian order are characterised by their decoration with typical acanthus leaves while the other elements are the same as those of the Ionic order. The eight Corinthian capitals, as well as the columns, in Monreale probably came from Rome and may date from the time of Hadrian. This shows a strong sensitivity to ancient art.
