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Questions and Answers
What materials were predominantly used for construction in Mesoamerica?
What materials were predominantly used for construction in Mesoamerica?
What was a key factor that influenced agricultural success in the humid tropical lowlands of Central America?
What was a key factor that influenced agricultural success in the humid tropical lowlands of Central America?
Which of the following best describes the social structure in pre-colonial America?
Which of the following best describes the social structure in pre-colonial America?
How did the geography of North America influence its architectural styles?
How did the geography of North America influence its architectural styles?
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In what way did religious practices influence architecture in pre-colonial America?
In what way did religious practices influence architecture in pre-colonial America?
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What was a major contribution of the Maya civilization?
What was a major contribution of the Maya civilization?
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Which factor significantly influenced the social structure of the Aztec Empire?
Which factor significantly influenced the social structure of the Aztec Empire?
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During which period did the Maya civilization flourish?
During which period did the Maya civilization flourish?
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What characterized the Olmec Empire?
What characterized the Olmec Empire?
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What was a primary feature of the Post-Classic period in Mesoamerican development?
What was a primary feature of the Post-Classic period in Mesoamerican development?
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What was the primary role of the Incan emperor?
What was the primary role of the Incan emperor?
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Which significant contribution is attributed to the Aztecs?
Which significant contribution is attributed to the Aztecs?
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What method did the Incas use for communication?
What method did the Incas use for communication?
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Which of the following building techniques was associated with North American indigenous structures?
Which of the following building techniques was associated with North American indigenous structures?
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What was a major factor in the decline of native Mesoamerican cultures after the arrival of Europeans?
What was a major factor in the decline of native Mesoamerican cultures after the arrival of Europeans?
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What notable architectural feature is associated with the Temple of the Sun in the Incan Empire?
What notable architectural feature is associated with the Temple of the Sun in the Incan Empire?
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What architectural feature is frequently used to support floor and roof timbers in Mesoamerican temples and palaces?
What architectural feature is frequently used to support floor and roof timbers in Mesoamerican temples and palaces?
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Which region is characterized by truncated earthen pyramids grouped around plazas?
Which region is characterized by truncated earthen pyramids grouped around plazas?
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How do Inca structures differ from those in other regions in terms of masonry?
How do Inca structures differ from those in other regions in terms of masonry?
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What is a common characteristic of Maya vaulted temple buildings?
What is a common characteristic of Maya vaulted temple buildings?
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What is the typical plan shape for Mesoamerican temples?
What is the typical plan shape for Mesoamerican temples?
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What construction method is typically used in modern vernacular Maya houses?
What construction method is typically used in modern vernacular Maya houses?
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What was the primary purpose of the Temple of the Inscriptions?
What was the primary purpose of the Temple of the Inscriptions?
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Which notable feature distinguishes the Temple of the Inscriptions?
Which notable feature distinguishes the Temple of the Inscriptions?
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Which of these structures served as ceremonial spaces in the South-West US?
Which of these structures served as ceremonial spaces in the South-West US?
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What general characteristic is common to large temples and palaces in South America?
What general characteristic is common to large temples and palaces in South America?
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How long did it take to complete the Temple of the Inscriptions?
How long did it take to complete the Temple of the Inscriptions?
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What material quality is mentioned regarding the construction of the walls in the Five-Storey Temple?
What material quality is mentioned regarding the construction of the walls in the Five-Storey Temple?
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What was a potential influence on the city of Edzná before it became Chichen Itzá?
What was a potential influence on the city of Edzná before it became Chichen Itzá?
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What construction techniques were primarily used in Monks Mound at Cahokia?
What construction techniques were primarily used in Monks Mound at Cahokia?
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What was a significant architectural feature of temples in the Americas related to mystical significance?
What was a significant architectural feature of temples in the Americas related to mystical significance?
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Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is comparable in size to the Pyramid of Giza at its base?
Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is comparable in size to the Pyramid of Giza at its base?
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In South America, what materials were primarily used in the construction of Chavin temples?
In South America, what materials were primarily used in the construction of Chavin temples?
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What is one of the notable structures found in the Pre-Classic La Venta site?
What is one of the notable structures found in the Pre-Classic La Venta site?
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Which of the following is considered a standard component used in the architecture of temples across the Americas?
Which of the following is considered a standard component used in the architecture of temples across the Americas?
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What characteristic structural elements were common in the highland regions?
What characteristic structural elements were common in the highland regions?
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What was the typical height range of the Olmec colossal basalt heads?
What was the typical height range of the Olmec colossal basalt heads?
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Which feature was used to pave open areas in front of temples in North American architecture?
Which feature was used to pave open areas in front of temples in North American architecture?
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What significant role did Cahokia play in North America's history?
What significant role did Cahokia play in North America's history?
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What does the headgear of the Olmec colossal heads resemble?
What does the headgear of the Olmec colossal heads resemble?
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What is significant about the layout of Teotihuacan buildings?
What is significant about the layout of Teotihuacan buildings?
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Which pyramid is considered the second largest in Teotihuacan?
Which pyramid is considered the second largest in Teotihuacan?
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What may have caused the decline of the Teotihuacan civilization?
What may have caused the decline of the Teotihuacan civilization?
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Where was the basalt quarry for the Olmec colossal heads located?
Where was the basalt quarry for the Olmec colossal heads located?
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What is the approximate diameter of the Temple Pyramid of Cuicuilco?
What is the approximate diameter of the Temple Pyramid of Cuicuilco?
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What is the significance of the Ciudadela in Teotihuacan?
What is the significance of the Ciudadela in Teotihuacan?
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What were the Teotihuacan priests known for in their religious practices?
What were the Teotihuacan priests known for in their religious practices?
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What is the orientation of the Pyramid of the Sun in relation to the Avenue of the Dead?
What is the orientation of the Pyramid of the Sun in relation to the Avenue of the Dead?
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Study Notes
Geology
- Eastern Woodlands of North America primarily used earth and timber for building materials.
- Mesoamerica utilized stone, clay, and mortar made from mixtures of clay, lime, and mud.
- Central America used minerals like hematite for red pigments, creating vibrant architectural colors.
- The Andean regions relied on pure clay for mortar and employed copper tools for precise stone cutting.
Climate
- North America experienced a wide range of climates, from humid subtropical to subarctic conditions.
- Central America had two distinct zones: an upland plateau with reliable rainfall and humid tropical lowlands with a brief dry season.
- The Andean coastal regions were marked by abrupt changes from extreme desert conditions to well-watered river valleys.
Physical Characteristics
- North America's Eastern Woodland region extended along the Mississippi and Missouri River Basins.
- Mesoamerica, a key region for pre-colonial architecture, included Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of Central America.
- The Andean region, encompassing Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, was a hub of pre-colonial civilization.
Social/Cultural/Religion
- Pre-colonial societies in the Americas were often structured with hereditary elites ruling over farmers.
- Religious practices were integrated into political life, with temples serving as both political and religious centers.
- The belief in supernatural powers residing in specific locations influenced temple construction, often leading to the building of new temples over old ones.
Maya
- Flourished from 300 to 900 AD.
- Advanced in agriculture, science, and art.
- Developed a sophisticated calendar and system of writing.
- Constructed large pyramids and palaces as a testament to their architectural prowess.
- Had a complex social structure with a ruling chief, nobles, merchants, artisans, and farmers.
- Religion was extremely important, with priests being well-respected.
- Maya declined around 900 AD, with reasons for their decline remaining unknown.
The Aztecs
- Established their empire in Mexico in the late 1200s.
- Fierce warriors who built a large empire through conquest and alliances.
- Accumulated significant wealth through taxation.
- Social hierarchy included a powerful emperor, nobility, warriors, traders, farmers, and slaves.
- Developed their own calendar system and established schools.
- Made advancements in medicine, including setting broken bones and performing dental procedures.
Olmecs
- The first major Mesoamerican civilization, existing from 1400 to 500 BC.
- Developed in the tropical rainforests of Mexico's gulf coast.
Mesoamerican Development Stages
- Pre-Classic (2000 BC – 200 AD): Early development of Mesoamerican civilizations.
- Classic (200 – 900 AD): Marked by the peak of monumental architecture and urbanism, divided into Early Classic (200 – 600 AD) and Late Classic (600 – 900 AD).
- Post-Classic (900 – 1500 AD): Post-classical civilizations emerging in Mesoamerica.
The Incas
- Ruled by an emperor who held absolute power and was considered the son of the Sun God.
- Capital located at Cuzco.
- Had a highly centralized government, controlling language and religious practices.
- Constructed an extensive road system, stretching over 2,500 miles along the Pacific Coast.
- Excels in medicine and engineering.
- Their empire was conquered by Spanish conquistadors.
Aztec Religious Practices
- Held priests in high regard.
- The Sun God was their chief deity.
- Practiced human sacrifices.
Incan Technology
- Developed an extensive road system, including bridges and tunnels.
- Implemented terrace farming in mountainous regions.
- Used knotted, colored strings called quipus as a form of communication.
Building Techniques and Processes
-
North America
- Used earth materials like timber, earth, and stone to create structures.
- Employed techniques like piling up earth, bent sapling construction.
-
Mesoamerica
- European influence introduced advanced military technology.
- European diseases led to devastating epidemics among indigenous populations.
-
South America
- Inca society excelled in medicine.
- Prevalent use of terraces for agriculture.
- The Incan Empire was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors.
Maya Architecture
- Late Classic Mayan masonry, often monolithic, featured regional variations.
- Characteristic of the Vaulted Temple Buildings: Exterior design often included a horizontal band with symbolic painted reliefs.
Incan Architecture
- Built using polygonal masonry, where stones were precisely fitted together without using mortar.
- Temples and palaces were dominant features in Inca cities.
Mesoamerican Architecture
- Corbels were utilized extensively for supporting floor and roof timbers.
- Temples were often vertically oriented or pyramidal.
- Palaces covered large areas and contained long, narrow rooms.
South American Architecture
- Often used pitch-roofed structures.
- Large temples and palaces dominated the landscape.
Temple of The Sun
- Built in the Inca capital to withstand earthquakes.
- Built with a terrace farm approach.
The Olmec Civilization
- Found 13 colossal basalt heads in their territory.
- Temple Pyramid of Cuicuilco, a circular pyramid or temple mound.
Teotihuacan
- Known for its iconic Avenue of the Dead, lined by pyramids like the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun.
- The Ciudadela (Citadel), a large square courtyard, housed the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
- Priests performed ritual sacrifices.
- Buildings were significantly oriented North-South, reflecting the importance of the 260-day calendar.
The Temple of The Seven Dolls, Dzibilchaltun
- A Mayan monument located in a fertile area near the coast.
The Temple of The Inscriptions, Palenque
- The largest Mesoamerican stepped pyramid at Palenque.
- A funerary monument for K'inich Janaab' Pakal.
- Construction spanned three overlapping phases.
- Known for hieroglyphic text on the Inscription Tablets and sculptural panels.
Five-Storey Temple, Edzná
- A 40-meter high platform supporting the temple.
- Construction was done with poor quality materials such as mud used to set stones.
- The name "Edzná” may refer to the Itzá, who may have influenced the city before it became Chichen Itzá.
The Nunnery, Uxmal
- Built between 900 to 1000 AD.
- Resembles a convent.
- Formal entrance, hierarchy of structures, and the absence of domestic elements suggest it was a royal palace.
The Ball Court, Copan
- Popular game across Mesoamerica.
- Located western Honduras, where a dynasty of 16 kings ruled from AD 426-820.
Codz-Poop Palace, Kabah
- Known as the Palace of the Masks.
- Decorated with hundreds of stone masks of the rain god Chaac.
El Castillo, Chichen Itza
- Also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, a step-pyramid.
- Known for its use of feathered serpent motif.
Temple of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, Tula
- Also known as “House of the Morning Star” and “Pyramid B.”
- Consists of different elevations and levels.
Great Pyramid of Cholula
- The largest archaeological site of a pyramid in the world.
- Built in four stages from 3rd Century BC to 9th Century AD.
- Dedicated to the deity Quetzalcoatl.
- Consist of six superimposed structures.
- Important religious site, sacred to Chiconauhqulauhitl before being replaced by the Virgin of the Remedies.
Kukulkan Pyramid
- Located in Yucatan.
- Constructed between 8th to 12th Centuries.
- A temple dedicated to the god Kukulkan.
- Known for its square terraces with stairways on each of four sides.
The Gate of the Sun, Tiahuanaco
- Constructed between 500-950 CE.
- Known for its central figure surrounded by 48 squares.
- Linear rays surrounding the central figure represent thunder and lightning.
Saqsaywaman, Cuzco
- Citadel located north of Cusco, Peru.
- Constructed using dry stone walls with massive, precisely fitted stones.
- Known for its three primary structures: the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows.
Machu Picchu
- A 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of Southern Peru.
- Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
- Known for its intricate terraces, which were designed to ensure good drainage and soil fertility while protecting the mountain from erosion.
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Module 1 - History of Architecture (Atlas)
