Crossword Genius

Ancient skill in bridge building (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spartan

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'building' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'ancient skill in bridge' is the wordplay.
'ancient skill' becomes 'art' (both can mean a talent. I am not sure about the 'ancient' bit.).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'bridge' becomes 'span' (synonyms).
'art' going inside 'span' is 'SPARTAN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spartan that I've seen before include "Austere - disciplined" , "Simple and harsh, without luxuries" , "Severe" , "Basic" , "Lacking comfort or luxury" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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