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Questions and Answers
Which civilization is NOT considered one of the three most notable Pre-Columbian civilizations?
Which civilization is NOT considered one of the three most notable Pre-Columbian civilizations?
What is a common structural feature of temple pyramids in Mesoamerican architecture?
What is a common structural feature of temple pyramids in Mesoamerican architecture?
Which construction material is primarily mentioned for use in Pre-Columbian architecture?
Which construction material is primarily mentioned for use in Pre-Columbian architecture?
Which characteristic is NOT associated with Aztec architecture?
Which characteristic is NOT associated with Aztec architecture?
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What type of doors were commonly used in Pre-Columbian architecture?
What type of doors were commonly used in Pre-Columbian architecture?
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Which cultural group is known for adaption of weaving techniques in stone reliefs?
Which cultural group is known for adaption of weaving techniques in stone reliefs?
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Which of the following regions is included in Mesoamerica?
Which of the following regions is included in Mesoamerica?
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What aesthetic trait is highlighted for the ornaments in Pre-Columbian architecture?
What aesthetic trait is highlighted for the ornaments in Pre-Columbian architecture?
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What is the architectural technique used by the Incas for building structures with tightly fitting stones?
What is the architectural technique used by the Incas for building structures with tightly fitting stones?
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Why was mortar-free construction advantageous in the Central Andean region?
Why was mortar-free construction advantageous in the Central Andean region?
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What natural event causes the stones at Machu Picchu to 'dance'?
What natural event causes the stones at Machu Picchu to 'dance'?
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Which UNESCO designation was given to Machu Picchu in 1983?
Which UNESCO designation was given to Machu Picchu in 1983?
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Which of the following materials was NOT mentioned as used for construction in the Central Andean region?
Which of the following materials was NOT mentioned as used for construction in the Central Andean region?
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What was the purpose of the Temple of the Great Jaguar?
What was the purpose of the Temple of the Great Jaguar?
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What is a significant architectural feature of the Great Temple at Tenochtitlan?
What is a significant architectural feature of the Great Temple at Tenochtitlan?
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What distinguishes the Great Ball Court in Chichen Itza?
What distinguishes the Great Ball Court in Chichen Itza?
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What feature is associated with the stones at Machu Picchu during seismic activity?
What feature is associated with the stones at Machu Picchu during seismic activity?
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What architectural feature is notable about Sacsayhuaman?
What architectural feature is notable about Sacsayhuaman?
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In what year did Machu Picchu become one of the New 7 Wonders of the World?
In what year did Machu Picchu become one of the New 7 Wonders of the World?
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Which culture did the site of Mitla represent the most important religious center for?
Which culture did the site of Mitla represent the most important religious center for?
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What evidence suggests that Machu Picchu had a dual purpose?
What evidence suggests that Machu Picchu had a dual purpose?
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What feature of Tenochtitlan led to its nickname as the 'Venice of the New World'?
What feature of Tenochtitlan led to its nickname as the 'Venice of the New World'?
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What was the elevation of Machu Picchu above sea level?
What was the elevation of Machu Picchu above sea level?
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Who is believed to have been the emperor for whom Machu Picchu was built?
Who is believed to have been the emperor for whom Machu Picchu was built?
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What was the primary purpose of blood sacrifice for the Toltecs and Aztecs?
What was the primary purpose of blood sacrifice for the Toltecs and Aztecs?
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Which architectural feature is characteristic of Maya architecture?
Which architectural feature is characteristic of Maya architecture?
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What was the significance of child sacrifices in Inca culture?
What was the significance of child sacrifices in Inca culture?
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Which of the following structures is NOT associated with Teotihuacan?
Which of the following structures is NOT associated with Teotihuacan?
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Animism, as understood by the Toltecs and Aztecs, refers to the belief that:
Animism, as understood by the Toltecs and Aztecs, refers to the belief that:
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What is the primary function of a temple pyramid in Mesoamerican cultures?
What is the primary function of a temple pyramid in Mesoamerican cultures?
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What notable feature does the Cuicuilco Pyramid possess?
What notable feature does the Cuicuilco Pyramid possess?
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Which of the following aspects influenced the siting of buildings in Maya architecture?
Which of the following aspects influenced the siting of buildings in Maya architecture?
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What was the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque primarily used for?
What was the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque primarily used for?
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Which architectural feature distinguishes the Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza during the Equinox?
Which architectural feature distinguishes the Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza during the Equinox?
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What material was primarily used in the construction of the Temple of the Sun, Moche?
What material was primarily used in the construction of the Temple of the Sun, Moche?
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The Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza features which type of artwork?
The Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza features which type of artwork?
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What is a notable architectural characteristic of Caral, Peru?
What is a notable architectural characteristic of Caral, Peru?
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What purpose did the stone walls in Caral serve during earthquakes?
What purpose did the stone walls in Caral serve during earthquakes?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the overall design of Chanchan, the capital of the Chimu Empire?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the overall design of Chanchan, the capital of the Chimu Empire?
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What is one of the main distinguishing factors of geometric design in the Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan?
What is one of the main distinguishing factors of geometric design in the Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan?
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Study Notes
Pre-Columbian Architecture
- Pre-Columbian architecture is the architecture of indigenous civilizations of Mesoamerica and the Andes prior to the 16th century.
- These regions were influenced by ancient civilizations of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Mesoamerican Region
- Mesoamerica encompasses Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
- Temple pyramids were a prominent feature of Mesoamerican architecture, often located at the center of cities.
- Pyramids were strategically designed with monumental and formal planning and featured flat roofs, square-headed doors, and a post and lintel construction system.
- Key Pre-Columbian Civilizations: Aztec, Maya, Inca, Olmec, Teotihuacan, Toltec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Chavin, Moche, Nazca, Wari, Lambayeque, Chimú, and Chancay.
- Materials used for construction: Limestone, volcanic rock, adobe bricks, and tezontle (porous stone).
- Religious practices: Belief in blood sacrifice to maintain cosmic balance, with ritualistic offerings to gods representing the sun, moon, rain, and corn.
- Ornaments and decorative elements: Vivid colors, textured surfaces, adaptation of weaving techniques in stone reliefs, and iconography depicting animals, gods, and great kings.
Aztec Architecture
- Presented a sense of order and symmetry.
- Design elements reflected the kingdom's power through depictions of eagles and serpents.
- Stone statues, masks, pottery, shields, knives, carved pillars, and painted walls contribute to Aztec art.
Maya Architecture
- Characterized by roof combs, highly decorated façades with reliefs, and painted surfaces.
- Buildings were strategically placed to leverage natural panoramas, solar and celestial orientation.
Maya Architectural Examples
- Cuicuilco Pyramid, Mexico: Circular in plan with 4 stages, a small temple at the top, and a base diameter of 134 meters.
- Teotihuacan, Mexico: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, It features the Avenue of the Dead (3 kilometers long), the Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Sun, the Ciudadela ("Citadel"), and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the Feathered Serpent).
- Pyramid of the Sun, Mexico: An important 4-stage temple at Teotihuacan, characterized by its distinct geometric forms and clay paste walls.
- Temple of Quetzalcoatl, Teotihuacan: Levels separated by deep friezes (tableros).
- Temple of Inscriptions, Palenque, Mexico: Used for rituals and as the burial place of Pakal the Great, Palenque's most important leader.
- Temple of Kukulkan, Chichen Itza, Yucatan: Known as El Castillo, with a second pyramid underneath called the Temple of the Red Jaguar. During the equinox, shadows from the corner tiers descend the northern side of the pyramid, forming a serpentine shape. This symbolizes the descent of Kukulkan, believed to be connected to agricultural rituals.
- Temple of the Warriors, Chichen Itza, Yucatan: An impressive structure with square columns carved in bas-relief depicting Toltec warriors, eagles, and jaguars devouring human hearts.
- Temple of the Great Jaguar, Tikal, Guatemala: A funerary temple for King Chocolate, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Great Ball Court, Chichen Itza, Yucatan: The largest ball court in ancient Mesoamerica.
Central Andean Region
- Encompasses Ecuador, Peru, western Bolivia, and northern and central Argentina and Chile.
- Materials used for construction: Black Andesite, Yucay Limestone, Diorite Porphyry, and Adobe Brick.
Central Andean Architecture
- Highlands: Buildings constructed from rubble bonded with clay, irregularly cut polygonal shapes, cushion-like form finishes, precisely fitted stones, and high-quality masonry.
Andean Architectural Examples
- Sacsayhuaman, Peru: A fortress guarding Cuzco, the Inca's sacred city, with skilled stone masonry, interlocked blocks, and sloped walls for earthquake resistance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Machu Picchu: A 15th-century Inca site located at 2430 meters above sea level in Peru on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, with Huayna Picchu towering above it. Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti and also served as an important religious site. It was a significant center until the Spanish Conquest.
- Tenochtitlan: The center of the Aztec world, referred to as the "Venice of the New World," a man-made island with a network of canals.
- Templo Mayor, Tenochtitlan: The center of the universe according to Aztec beliefs.
- Machu Picchu: Features Inca architectural style of polished dry-stone walls of regular shape, known as ashlar. The stones fit so tightly together that a blade of grass cannot fit between them. The construction is earthquake-resistant due to the use of mortar-free techniques.
- "Dancing Stones" of Machu Picchu: The stones move in sync with the earth's motion during earthquakes, preventing damage.
- Machu Picchu: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Pre-Columbian architecture, focusing on the indigenous civilizations of Mesoamerica and the Andes prior to the 16th century. Explore the architectural features, materials used, and the key civilizations that shaped this fascinating design period. Discover how these ancient cultures influenced modern architecture.
