Questions and Answers
Which rivers are known as the 'in between rivers'?
The fertile crescent is located primarily in Iraq.
True
Name one of the main civilizations that developed in the fertile crescent.
Sumer
The ancient civilization of __________ was located in Northern Iraq and Southeastern Turkey.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following civilizations with their locations:
Signup and view all the answers
What type of bricks were used for decorative purposes in ancient Assyria and Babylon?
Signup and view all the answers
Ziggurats were built as open-type buildings due to extreme heat.
Signup and view all the answers
What building form is typically used in deserts due to the conditions?
Signup and view all the answers
The ancient Persians used ______ and colored limestone in their construction.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following architectural features with their purposes or materials:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following structures was built by King Nebuchadnezzar II?
Signup and view all the answers
Hammurabi's Code was the first set of written laws in history.
Signup and view all the answers
Who was the father of the Iranian Nation?
Signup and view all the answers
The architectural style used in Babylon and Assyria primarily involved the use of __________ and __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following architects or rulers with their contributions:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following served as the guard room and reception area?
Signup and view all the answers
The Hall of the Hundred Columns is also known as The Throne Hall.
Signup and view all the answers
Who started the construction of the Hall of the Hundred Columns?
Signup and view all the answers
The Treasury served as the _______ and storehouse.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following Persian rulers with their contributions:
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key characteristic of West Asiatic architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
Mesopotamia means 'the land of many rivers'.
Signup and view all the answers
What does the Greek word 'mesos' signify in the context of Mesopotamia?
Signup and view all the answers
West Asiatic architecture is also known as ______ architecture.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Overview of West Asiatic Architecture
- Also known as Mesopotamian architecture.
- Originates from the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, referred to as "the fertile crescent."
Geographical Significance
- "Mesopotamia" translates to "in between rivers" in Greek.
- Includes four main civilizations:
- Sumer in Iraq (from Baghdad to Persian Gulf)
- Babylon in Iraq
- Assyria in Northern Iraq and Southeastern Turkey
- Persia in Iran
Geological Materials
-
Assyria and Babylon:
- Utilized clay for brick-making.
- Developed sun-dried bricks for ordinary constructions.
- Created kiln-dried bricks for significant structures.
- Employed color-glazed bricks for decorative elements.
-
Persia:
- Employed timber and colored limestone in constructions.
Climatic Adaptations
-
Assyria & Babylon:
- Built temples on raised platforms to avoid flooding.
- Constructed Ziggurats (stepped towers) to accommodate environmental factors.
-
Persia:
- Designed open-type buildings to cope with extreme heat.
-
General design included courtyard forms to suit desert conditions.
Religious and Decorative Elements
- Religious architecture featured king-headed winged lions, bulls, and mythical monsters in palace doorway decorations.
Important Historical Figures
-
Sumer:
- King Ur-Nammu: Known for erecting the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
-
Babylonia:
- King Nebuchadnezzar II: Builder of significant structures including:
- The Great Palace of Nebuchadnezzar
- Ishtar Gate
- Hanging Garden of Babylon
- King Hammurabi: Authored the first known legal codes in cruciform known as Hammurabi's Code.
- King Nebuchadnezzar II: Builder of significant structures including:
-
Assyria:
- Sargon II: Built the Palace of Sargon in Khorsabad.
- Sennacherib: Established Nineveh as the Assyrian capital.
-
Persia:
- Cyrus the Great: Renowned as the founder of the Persian Empire.
- Xerxes I: Key constructor of Persepolis; initiated the Hall of the Hundred Columns and Gate of All Nations.
- Artaxerxes I: Completed the Palace of Persepolis and the Hall of the Hundred Columns.
Architectural Differences
-
Construction Methods:
- Babylon and Assyria: Utilized arches and vaults, with buttressing techniques.
- Persia: Emphasized columnar and trabeated construction.
Notable Building Types
-
Babylon:
- The Treasury (under Darius I): Functioned as an arsenal and storehouse.
-
Hall of the Hundred Columns:
- Also known as the Throne Hall, characterized by columns with double bull and unicorn capitals; construction began under Xerxes I and completed by Artaxerxes I.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on West Asiatic architecture, also known as Mesopotamian architecture. This quiz covers key concepts such as massiveness, monumentality, and grandeur, as well as the geographical significance of the region known as Mesopotamia, which means 'between rivers'.
