The ancient Greek word ἀνώγεον (anógeon), which appears in the New Testament to describe the "upper room" (or "large upper room") where Jesus and his disciples shared the Last Supper.
 

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Mark 14:15 – “He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”

Luke 22:12 – “And he will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.”

 

In practical terms, this referred to an elevated or upper-level room in a house—typically the second floor (or higher story), as opposed to ground-level living spaces. In ancient Mediterranean homes (especially in urban settings), upper rooms were often more private and used for hosting sizeable company. They could include balconies or domed/roofed features in some descriptions.

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The New Testament also uses a related but different term for "upper room" in Acts (e.g., Acts 1:13 for the post-resurrection gathering, and Acts 20:8): ὑπερῷον, which more literally means "that which is above" or "upper chamber." Some scholars see subtle distinctions (e.g., architectural or contextual), but both convey the idea of an elevated/private space. In the Greek Old Testament, similar concepts appear (e.g., upper chambers for guests or prophetic events), influencing New Testament usage.