History of Arch 1, 2, 3, 4

• What are the three aims of architecture?

  To build structures that are commodious, strong, and beautiful.
• How does architecture express human desires?

  It expresses desires for worship, amusement, business, and other endeavors.
• Why is architecture considered an index of civilization?

  Because it reflects the age, race, or people of a society.
• What are the two main styles in architecture?

  • Character Style: Expression of grandeur, solemnity, or monumentality.
  • Historical Style: Characteristics and manner of design prevailing at a specific time and place.
• What are the three structural principles in architecture?

  Post and lintel, arch or vault, and truss.
• What is the post and lintel method in architecture?

  It is the simplest method for spanning a space using upright supports for a horizontal beam.
• What is an example of the post and lintel method?

  Stonehenge in Salisbury Plains, England.
• How does the arch or vault method work?

  It uses several pieces to span an opening between two supports, with pieces in compression exerting lateral pressure.
• When was the arch invented?

  2500 BC in the Indus Valley of India.
• What is a barrel vault?

  A barrel vault is formed by the repetition of an arch.
• What is the most famous keystone in ancient architecture?

  The Mycenaean Lion Gate from 1250 BC.
• What is a truss in architecture?

  A truss is a framework composed of several pieces of wood or metal that resists tension or compression.
• What factors affect the development of architectural style?

  1. Geographical

  2. Geological

  3. Climatic

  4. Religious

  5. Socio-political

  6. Historical
• What is a menhir?

  A menhir is a prehistoric monument consisting of an upright megalith, usually standing alone.
• What is a dolmen?

  A dolmen is a prehistoric monument consisting of two or more large upright stones supporting a horizontal stone slab.
• What is a cromlech?

  A cromlech is a circular arrangement of megaliths enclosing a dolmen or burial mound.
• What is Stonehenge?

  Stonehenge is a megalithic monument consisting of four concentric rings of trilithons and menhirs centered around an altar stone.
• What is the significance of the Ziggurat in Sumerian architecture?

  The Ziggurat served as a temple or shrine for worshiping the gods of nature.
• What materials were used to construct the Ziggurat of Ur?

  It was built of mud brick, made from a mix of dirt, water, and straw.
• What are the three periods of West Asiatic Architecture?

  1. Babylonian (c. B.C. 4000-1275)

  2. Assyrian (B.C. 1275-538)

  3. Persian (B.C. 538-333)
• What characterized Babylonian architecture?

  It was characterized by mud brick construction and decorative elements like bulls and lions.
• What is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon known for?


  It is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, featuring lush gardens irrigated by a water pump.
• What is the significance of the Ishtar Gate?

  It is a large, four-storey portal covered in glazed bricks and decorative figures.
• What characterized Assyrian architecture?


  It was characterized by mud-brick buildings and monumental decorative sculptures.
• What is the Palace of Sargon known for?

  It provides the best idea of Assyrian palaces and their layout.
• What is the significance of Persepolis in Persian architecture?


  It was designed as the capital city by Darius, featuring a complex of palaces and audience halls.
• What is the Temple at Jerusalem known for?

  It was a monumental structure commenced by Solomon.
• What characterized Egyptian architecture?

  It is characterized by axial planning of massive masonry tombs and temples, and precise stonework.
• What is a mastaba?

  A mastaba is a tomb for the nobility or royal family, made of mud brick with a flat roof.
• What is the Karnak Temple Complex known for?

  It was a main component of the political/religious landscape during the New Kingdom.
• What is an obelisk in Egyptian architecture?

  An obelisk is a monolithic four-sided standing stone tapering to a pyramidical cap.
• What is a mastaba?

  A tomb for the nobility or members of the royal family made of mud brick.
• What is the purpose of a temple in ancient Egypt?

  It is dedicated to the worship or presence of a deity.
• What are the two kinds of temples in ancient Egypt?

  • Cult temple: for the worship of a deity.
  • Mortuary temple: for offerings and worship of a deceased person, usually a deified king.
• What is a sphinx?

  A figure of an imaginary creature having the body of a lion and the head of a man, ram, or hawk.
• What is an obelisk?

  An Egyptian monolithic four-sided standing stone tapering to a pyramidical cap, often inscribed with hieroglyphs.
• What is a hypostyle hall?

  A large hall having many columns in rows supporting a flat roof.
• What is a pylon in ancient Egyptian architecture?

  A gateway guarding a sacred precinct, consisting of a pair of tall truncated pyramids and a doorway between them.
• What is a kiosk in Egyptian architecture?

  A freestanding stone canopy structure supported by columns.
• What is a mammisi?


  A small Egyptian side temple, also known as a birth-house.