Pre-Classical Architecture Quiz & Flashcards

Study Notes

Pre-classical Architecture: Egyptian and Western

Geographical Factors: Ancient Egypt situated near the Nile River, which served as both a transportation route and a crucial water source in the desert landscape.
Geological Materials: Construction utilized soft and hard stones, sand-dried bricks, and palm leaves, leveraging locally available resources.
Climatic Conditions: Region experience minimal rainfall, lacking traditional drainage systems, gutters, and windows, influencing architectural design.
Religious Beliefs: Strong belief in life after death prompted the construction of elaborate tombs, such as pyramids, for body preservation.

History of Egyptian Architecture

Tomb Types in the Ancient Kingdom:
- Mastaba: Early tomb type from the Early Dynastic Period (3050-2686 BC), characterized by a flat-roofed, rectangular structure, typically made from mud brick.
- Pyramid of Giza: Commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu circa 2600 BC, using approximately 2.3 million stone blocks (2.5 to 15 tons each). Original height of 146.7 m (481.4 ft) and base length of 230.6 m (756.4 ft). Remarkably, it remains mostly intact and is considered the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Rock Cut Tombs: Burial chambers carved from natural rock formations, usually found in cliffs or sloped areas, representing a unique approach to burial practices.
Notable Structures:
- Colossi of Memnon: Two monumental statues each measuring 18 m (60 ft) tall, weighing approximately 720 tons, located in a portico featuring 22 columns.
- Great Hypostyle Hall: Extended over 5,000 m² (54,000 sq ft) with 134 sandstone columns, originally supporting a high and intricately designed roof.
- Abu Simbel: Temple built by Ramesses II (c. 1279-1213 B.C.E.) featuring four colossal statues of the Pharaoh at the entrance, symbolizing power and divinity.
Architectural System: Post and lintel (trabeated) architecture where horizontal beams are supported by vertical posts, foundational in monumental designs.

History of West Asiatic Architecture

Geographic Context: Mesopotamian architecture emerged between 4000 and 2100 B.C. in present-day Iraq and Iran, within a fertile zone between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Ziggurat Structures: Key temple towers constructed of mud brick, serving as places for worship and observatories, resembling holy mountains with eternal flames.
Ziggurat Development Stages:
- Early archaic ziggurats
- Multi-story versions with two or more stages
- Assyrian types with seven stages, featuring ramps instead of stairs symbolizing the seven heavenly bodies.
Assyrian Architecture:
- Palace of Sargon: Prominent architectural form with palaces, occasionally constructed in conjunction with ziggurats, featuring decorative brickwork and large stone slabs.
Neo-Babylonian Construction:
- Ishtar Gate: Impressive entrance adorned with glazed brick reliefs of dragons and bulls, standing over 12 meters high.
Persian Architectural Features:
- Palace of Persepolis: Reflects adaptations from previous civilizations, displaying influences from Assyrian styles, such as representations of Persian lion and bull combat in its art.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of pre-classical architecture, focusing on Egyptian and Western influences. This quiz covers various aspects such as geographical features, geological materials, climatic conditions, and religious beliefs that shaped architectural practices. Test your knowledge on how these factors contributed to the construction of iconic structures like the pyramids.