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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the sanctuary in an Egyptian temple?
Which temple is known for its rock-cut architecture and includes four colossal statues of Rameses II?
What feature connects the temples of Karnak and Luxor?
Which pharaoh is recognized as Egypt's first female ruler and is associated with the Temple of Hatshepsut?
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What is the size of the area occupied by the Great Temple of Ammon at Karnak?
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What is a TIPI commonly made from?
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Which of the following describes a DOLMEN?
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What characteristic defines a CROMLECH?
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Which structure consists of two upright stones supporting a horizontal lintel?
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What is the primary construction material for a HOGAN?
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What was the purpose of MENHIRs in prehistoric times?
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Which of the following represents a traditional dwelling type found in Apulia, Italy?
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Which prehistoric structure is composed of concentric rings?
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What distinguishes rock-hewn or rock-cut tombs from other types of tombs?
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What is a prominent feature of an obelisk?
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Which of the following correctly describes the function of pylons in Egyptian temples?
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How high are obelisks typically in relation to their base diameter?
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Which of the following correctly identifies one of the two types of Egyptian temples?
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What is found at the entrance of a traditional Egyptian temple?
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Who could enter the sanctuaries found within Egyptian temples?
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Which tomb is not found in Beni-Hassan?
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What is the meaning of Hatshepsut's name?
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Who oversaw the construction of the Temple of Hatshepsut?
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How many types of sphinxes are mentioned, and what is one of them?
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What architectural characteristic is common among Egyptian temple walls?
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What kind of openings were typically found in ancient Egyptian temples?
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Which of the following capitals is NOT listed among the Egyptian capitals mentioned?
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Which type of Sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a hawk?
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For what purpose were flat roofs of temples primarily used?
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What architectural feature is commonly associated with Assyrian and Babylonian structures?
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Which iconic structure is described as a 'Holy Mountain' in Babylonian architecture?
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What decorative element is notably found in Assyrian architecture?
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What is a notable characteristic of Ziggurats in Babylon regarding their structure?
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In Persian architecture, what roofing style is frequently used?
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What main function did the upper platform of a Ziggurat serve?
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How many rooms were reported to be in the Palace of Sargon in Khorsabad?
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What aspect of Ziggurat design allowed for astrological studies?
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What type of sculptures are commonly seen flanking the portals of the Palace of Sargon?
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Which of the following statements best captures the grandeur of Near Eastern architecture?
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Study Notes
Prehistoric Dwellings
- Shepherds used animal skins for coverings, which were raised on posts to form tents.
- Tipi/Tepee/Teepee - These were tents of American Indians, made of animal skins stretched over a conical frame of long poles. They had an opening at the top for ventilation and a flap door.
- Trullo - These are traditional stone dwellings found in Apulia, southern Italy. Square chambers are roofed with conical vaulted roofs.
- Hogan - Navaho Indian dwellings, usually constructed of earth and logs, and covered with mud and sod.
- Igloo - An Eskimo house, typically built of blocks of hard snow or ice shaped like a dome. Permanent ones were constructed from sod, wood, or stone.
Prehistoric Religious monuments
- Menhir - A single, large upright monolith standing alone or arranged in parallel rows. They could stretch for miles, consisting of thousands of stones.
- Dolmen - A tomb built of standing stones, typically consisting of three or more upright stones capped with a large flat horizontal capstone.
- Cove - A type of dolmen composed of three standing stones, two on the sides and one at the back.
- Trilithon - Three stones forming a structure, with two upright stones supporting a horizontal lintel.
- Cromlech - An enclosure made of huge stones planted on the ground in a circular form.
Examples of Cromlech
- Stonehenge, located in Salisbury, England, is a famous example of a cromlech. It was built with concentric rings of stones.
Near East Architectural Character
- Characterized by massiveness, monumentality, and grandeur.
Assyrain and Babylonian Architectural Features
- Arcuated construction, including arches, vaults, and flat strips.
- Used buttresses adorned with glazed tiles.
- Featured colossal winged bulls, carved alabaster slabs, and sculptured bas-reliefs.
Persian Architectural Features
- Mostly Columnar and trabeated with flat timber roofs, sometimes domed.
Examples from the Near East
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Babylon
- Ziggurats (Holy Mountains): Chief building structures.
- Square or rectangle in plan, with steeply battered sides.
- An open platform on top contained the "Fire Altar."
- Angles were oriented to face the cardinal points.
- Surmounted by a richly decorated temple chamber for shrines and observations.
- Development included:
- Archaic ziggurats (usually with one flat top)
- Two or Three-staged ziggurats (rectangular with several tiers)
- Seven-staged ziggurats during the Assyrian period
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Assyria
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Palaces
- Palace of Sargon, Khorsabad: Entrance portals flanked with statues of headed winged bulls and lions. Contained over 700 rooms and occupied an area of approximately 25 acres.
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Palaces
Egyptian Examples
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Tombs
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Pyramids
- Pyramid of Cheops - featured the Grand Gallery
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Rock-Hewn or Rock-Cut Tombs
- Cut deep into mountain rock or hillsides, usually for nobility, not royalty.
- Tombs at Beni-Hassan - four out of 39 tombs are accessible to the public (Amenemhet, Khnumhotep II, Baqet III, Khety)
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Pyramids
Egyptian Examples Continued
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Obelisk
- An upright stone, square in plan, with an electrum-capped pyramidion on top.
- Sacred symbol of the sun-god, Heliopolis.
- Usually came in pairs, flanking temple entrances.
- Height was nine or ten times the diameter at the base.
- Four sides featured hieroglyphics.
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Pylon
- A monumental gateway to a temple, consisting of slanting walls flanking the entrance portal.
- Often decorated with scenes emphasizing a king's authority.
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Temples
- Sanctuaries that only kings and priests could penetrate. Only a high priest could enter both types of temples.
- Used for mysterious rites and priestly processions.
- Two classifications:
- Cult Temples: Built for the worship of the gods.
- Mortuary Temples: Built in honor of the Pharaohs.
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Parts of an Egyptian Temple:
- Entrance Pylon: Massive sloping towers fronted by obelisks.
- Hypaethral Court: Large outer court open to the sky.
- Hypostyle Hall: A pillared hall with roofs resting on columns.
- Sanctuary: Usually surrounded by passages and chambers used for temple service.
- Avenue of Sphinx: Over 1 1/2 miles long, once connecting the Karnak and Luxor temples
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Temple Examples:
- Great Temple of Ammon, Karnak: Grandest temple built by many kings. Began construction in 2466 BC. Occupies an area of 1200 feet x 360 feet.
- Great Temple of Abu Simbel: Example of a rock-cut temple, built by Rameses II. The entrance forecourt leads to an imposing pylon with four rock-cut colossal statues of Rameses over 20 meters high. The inner sanctum is aligned so the sun's rays penetrate twice each year, illuminating the figures of Ptah, Amun, the deified Rameses II, and Re.
- Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir El-Bahari: Different from other Egyptian temples, consisting of three terraced courts stepped out of the rock. Connected by inclined planes. Built by Hatshepsut, the first female pharaoh of Egypt. Construction was overseen by her chancellor, royal architect Senenmut.
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Sphinx
- Androsphinx: Body of a lion and head of a man.
- Hieracosphinx: Body of a lion and head of a hawk.
- Criosphinx: Body of a lion and head of a ram.
- Great Sphinx of Giza: Greatest monumental sculpture in the ancient world. Carved from a single ridge of limestone. 240 feet long by 66 feet high.
Egyptian Examples Continued
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Capitals and Columns
- Bud & Bell Capital
- Volute Capital
- Hathor-Headed Capital
- Polygonal Columns
- Palm Type Capital
- Osiris Pillars
- Papyrus Capital
- Square Pillars
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Mouldings
- Gorge and Hollow Moulding
- Torus Moulding
Egyptian Comparative Analysis
- Walls: Immensely thick, made of granite in important buildings and brick in the less important. The faces slope inwards or batter towards the top, creating a massive appearance. Covered with fine plaster for decoration, containing low reliefs in bright colors. Simplicity, solidity, and grandeur are expressed through large, unbroken walls.
- Openings: All were square-headed covered by massive lintels. Window openings were rare, with light admitted through clerestories.
- Roofs: Composed of massive stone blocks supported by enclosing walls and columns. Flat roofs offered a rendezvous for families in the evening, and may have been used for repose during certain seasons. Awnings were likely used for sun protection during the day. The flat roof of temples likely hosted priestly processions.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of prehistoric dwellings and religious monuments through this quiz. From the conical Tipi to the sturdy Igloo and the monumental Menhir, learn how ancient cultures lived and commemorated their beliefs. Test your knowledge of these remarkable structures and their significance.
