[German version]

(Etymology: *d^hh₁s-no-; but Oscan-Umbrian fēsnā < stressed form *d^heh₁s- [1]). Generic expression for the holy place (locus sacer, Liv. 10,37,15) consecrated to the deity by the pontifices (Varro, Ling. 6,54; Fest. 78 L.;  pontifex ). Initially designating the location without regard for the form and function of the cult site contained within the sacred precincts (e.g. grove, spring, cave, temple, altar etc.). Later, fanum really comes to mean only the ancient sanctuary as opposed to the temple (aedis) as an architectural entity. Attempts to differentiate fanum fr…