History of Architecture Overview

History of Architecture Reviewer Summary

• Early Architecture: The beginner of the great hypostyle hall at Karnak was Rameses I. Marble was the most important mineral for Greek architecture. Greek architecture was primarily columnar and trabeated. The Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Composite order were key structures and additions during this time.

Roman Architecture

• Materials and Techniques: Romans used concrete, making it possible to build large interiors and use arches and vaults. They added the Composite order, extending upon Greek architectural styles. Romanesque architecture in Italy used marble for facing walls. The Pantheon is a famous example of a perfect presentation of Roman architecture.

Byzantine Architecture

• Domical Roof Construction & Materials: Byzantine buildings often featured the use of domical roofs and generally used marble.

Other Architectural Styles

• Greek & Roman Architecture: Components like the pteroma (the space between columns and naos in Greek temples), stoas (ancient Greek porticoes), acroteria (pedestals or ornaments at the edges of roofs), anthemion, apotheca(storerooms) and other forms were features of both Greek and Roman architecture. Byzantine architecture used a domical roof construction.
• Early Christian Architecture: There was a space in early Christian churches (often semi-circular or semi-polygonal) called the Apse, for use as an altar.
• Terms & Terminology: Terms discussed include the Refectory (dining hall in a monastery or college), cubicula (Roman bedrooms), tracery (ornamental pattern work), and others.
• Architectural elements: Aspects like Pediments, Pendentives, Narthex, Nave and different styles of plans and shapes of architecture were also explained.
• Specific Buildings and Architects: Details about specific buildings (e.g., Chartres Cathedral, the Pantheon, Colosseum) and the architects involved (e.g., Ictinus, Callicrates, Imhotep) were included. Architect's plans and contributions are highlighted.

Architectural terms and styles

• Styles explained: Styles such as Baroque, Roman, Gothic, Greek and others, and how these evolved into other modern or contemporary styles were categorized.
• Key Architectural Elements: Individual elements of buildings like columns, arches, vaults, and domes, and their importance were discussed.
• Architectural Elements & Terminology: Definitions included Acroterion, Anthemion, Pilaster, Baluster, Vault, Bay Window, Pediment, Plinth, and many more.
• Famous Architectural works: Analysis and description for specific architectural works from different time zones were included like the Colosseum, Parthenon, etc.

Explore the evolution of architecture from early Egyptian structures to the grandeur of Roman and Byzantine styles. This quiz covers key features, techniques, and notable buildings that have shaped the architectural landscape throughout history.