Relief orthostats from the Hittite period

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In classical Greek architecture, orthostates refer to squared stone blocks that rise much higher than they do in depth, typically built into the lower part of a wall. These blocks appear to stand upright rather than lie on their sides, earning them this name. In other contexts, however, English speakers often use "orthostat" instead. It's common for Greek architecture to feature pairs of orthostates that form the thickness of a wall, one serving as the inner face and the other as the outer face. Above a course of orthostates, it's typical to lay a binder course, consisting of stones spanning the width of the wall and joining its two faces. This term has been expanded for use in describing the architecture of many cultures. In Hittite and Assyrian sculpture, orthostats are often intricately carved with detailed designs. The term can also be used more broadly to describe other upright-standing stones, such as megalithic menhirs found around the world.