Architecture of the Americas - AP Art History
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Due to the high seismic activity of the area, which architectural attributes were included in the construction of Monte Albán, pictured above?
Due to the high seismic activity of the area, which architectural attributes were included in the construction of Monte Albán, pictured above?
Monte Albán was constructed using thick walls and short stature, in part due to the high level of seismic activity in the area. These attributes assured that the structures would not be disrupted or destroyed by any earthquakes.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama\_of\_Monte\_Alban\_from\_the\_South\_Platform.jpg
Photograph by Matt Saunder
Monte Albán was constructed using thick walls and short stature, in part due to the high level of seismic activity in the area. These attributes assured that the structures would not be disrupted or destroyed by any earthquakes.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama\_of\_Monte\_Alban\_from\_the\_South\_Platform.jpg
Photograph by Matt Saunder
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As can be seen in the above photo, Monte Albán is made up of multiple different __________________, located atop and also around an artificially-leveled hill.
As can be seen in the above photo, Monte Albán is made up of multiple different __________________, located atop and also around an artificially-leveled hill.
The city of Monte Albán was founded in large part by the Zapotec civilization, and flourished from 500BC to around 850AD. Its construction and basic architecture consists of multiple plazas and platforms that housed many different buildings, such as religious centers, residential buildings, ball courts, and marketplaces. Although it was considered poly-ethnic, it did not consist of smaller tribes or cities. It was, in fact, one singular, unified city.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama\_of\_Monte\_Alban\_from\_the\_South\_Platform.jpg
Photograph by Matt Saunder
The city of Monte Albán was founded in large part by the Zapotec civilization, and flourished from 500BC to around 850AD. Its construction and basic architecture consists of multiple plazas and platforms that housed many different buildings, such as religious centers, residential buildings, ball courts, and marketplaces. Although it was considered poly-ethnic, it did not consist of smaller tribes or cities. It was, in fact, one singular, unified city.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama\_of\_Monte\_Alban\_from\_the\_South\_Platform.jpg
Photograph by Matt Saunder
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Mayan architecture was dominated by what kind of building?
Mayan architecture was dominated by what kind of building?
All Mayan cities and temple structures revolved around the pyramid. Typically featuring steps to the top of the pyramid and terraces, the Mayas used the pyramid for temples, palaces, and most other important buildings. The use of the pyramid was highly influential for later Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Aztecs.
All Mayan cities and temple structures revolved around the pyramid. Typically featuring steps to the top of the pyramid and terraces, the Mayas used the pyramid for temples, palaces, and most other important buildings. The use of the pyramid was highly influential for later Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Aztecs.
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Mesoamerican architecture usually features the __________.
Mesoamerican architecture usually features the __________.
In Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec architecture, the chief building style was the large stepped pyramid, which allowed it to be climbed entirely. These pyramids were the center of any settlements, and were frequently utilized by the priest-kings of these cultures for ceremonial and administrative purposes. After centuries of neglect, these massive structures are usually the only elements of Mesoamerican architecture that remain.
In Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec architecture, the chief building style was the large stepped pyramid, which allowed it to be climbed entirely. These pyramids were the center of any settlements, and were frequently utilized by the priest-kings of these cultures for ceremonial and administrative purposes. After centuries of neglect, these massive structures are usually the only elements of Mesoamerican architecture that remain.
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The pre-Columbian civilization responsible for the construction of Monte Albán, pictured above, occupied and culturally dominated which area of modern day Mexico?
The pre-Columbian civilization responsible for the construction of Monte Albán, pictured above, occupied and culturally dominated which area of modern day Mexico?
The Zapotec civilization of pre-Columbian Latin America occupied and culturally dominated the area of Mexico now known as the state of Oaxaca. The largest piece of evidence of their occupation of Oaxaca is the ancient city of Monte Albán, located only a few miles outside of the current capital of the state of Oaxaca, Oaxaca City.
The Zapotec civilization of pre-Columbian Latin America occupied and culturally dominated the area of Mexico now known as the state of Oaxaca. The largest piece of evidence of their occupation of Oaxaca is the ancient city of Monte Albán, located only a few miles outside of the current capital of the state of Oaxaca, Oaxaca City.
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When the Aztecs discovered the abandoned Toltec city in Hidalgo, Mexico, where these Atlantean figures are located, what did they imagine the pillars represented?
When the Aztecs discovered the abandoned Toltec city in Hidalgo, Mexico, where these Atlantean figures are located, what did they imagine the pillars represented?
While Atlatean figures are generally carved to represent fierce, bellicose men, when the Aztecs found these pillars centuries after the Toltecs abandoned their city, they imagined that the pillars represented their own gods, such as Quetzalcoatl, and considered the city itself divine. They even went so far as to consider the Toltec civilization their own ancestors, and told and recorded multitudes of stories of the exploits of the Toltec people.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
While Atlatean figures are generally carved to represent fierce, bellicose men, when the Aztecs found these pillars centuries after the Toltecs abandoned their city, they imagined that the pillars represented their own gods, such as Quetzalcoatl, and considered the city itself divine. They even went so far as to consider the Toltec civilization their own ancestors, and told and recorded multitudes of stories of the exploits of the Toltec people.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
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What were Atlantean figures, such as the ones found in Tula, Hidalgo, created by the Toltecs, originally meant to represent?
What were Atlantean figures, such as the ones found in Tula, Hidalgo, created by the Toltecs, originally meant to represent?
Although the Aztec people thought that the Toltec civilization, as their supposed ancestors (according to them, at least), had carved out depictions of their gods, such as Quetzalcoatl, in actuality, the Atlantean figures are meant to represent fierce warriors.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
Although the Aztec people thought that the Toltec civilization, as their supposed ancestors (according to them, at least), had carved out depictions of their gods, such as Quetzalcoatl, in actuality, the Atlantean figures are meant to represent fierce warriors.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
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Who or what was responsible for the destruction or disappearance of the civilization that left behind these Atlantean figures, found in Tula, Hidalgo?
Who or what was responsible for the destruction or disappearance of the civilization that left behind these Atlantean figures, found in Tula, Hidalgo?
Although the Aztec civilization provides its own written mythology as to the conquests, exploits and history of the Toltec civilization, as they considered the Toltec people to be their ancestors, it is actually unknown what eventually caused the decline and disappearance of the Toltec civilization, which is the civilization that left the ruins of a great city in Tula, Hidalgo, along with the Atlantean figures pictures above.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
Although the Aztec civilization provides its own written mythology as to the conquests, exploits and history of the Toltec civilization, as they considered the Toltec people to be their ancestors, it is actually unknown what eventually caused the decline and disappearance of the Toltec civilization, which is the civilization that left the ruins of a great city in Tula, Hidalgo, along with the Atlantean figures pictures above.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
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Cliff Palace is stone and mud mortar building set into the side of a mountain by the ancient Puebloan people, also known as Anasazi.
What was the architectural center of a family unit for the Anasazi at places like Cliff Palace?
Cliff Palace is stone and mud mortar building set into the side of a mountain by the ancient Puebloan people, also known as Anasazi.
What was the architectural center of a family unit for the Anasazi at places like Cliff Palace?
The architectural center for a family was a kiva. A kiva contained the fire pit and the S_ipapu._ These spaces were covered by wood roofs and are sometimes still used by Puebloan people for ceremonies.
The architectural center for a family was a kiva. A kiva contained the fire pit and the S_ipapu._ These spaces were covered by wood roofs and are sometimes still used by Puebloan people for ceremonies.
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The Anasazi were notable for constructing buildings in __________.
The Anasazi were notable for constructing buildings in __________.
The Anasazi are believed to have developed a unique culture in the American southwest around roughly the twelfth century B.C.E. The most notable aspect of Anasazi ruins and buildings is their location. In multiple sites in the Four Corners region, large stone palaces and other buildings are built into caves along stone cliffs, creating the look of a building that comes directly out of the stone walls.
The Anasazi are believed to have developed a unique culture in the American southwest around roughly the twelfth century B.C.E. The most notable aspect of Anasazi ruins and buildings is their location. In multiple sites in the Four Corners region, large stone palaces and other buildings are built into caves along stone cliffs, creating the look of a building that comes directly out of the stone walls.
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The Mayan civilization of Mesoamerica is perhaps best known for building which Pre-Columbian city, which in this day and age has become a popular tourist attraction?
The Mayan civilization of Mesoamerica is perhaps best known for building which Pre-Columbian city, which in this day and age has become a popular tourist attraction?
Chichen Itza, built and occupied between 600 and 1200 BCE, is a famous city built by the Mayans in what is today known as Yucatán, Southern Mexico. It is not completely known why Chichen Itza was abandoned, only that it remains in good condition to this day, and is a stunning example of Mayan architecture.
Chichen Itza, built and occupied between 600 and 1200 BCE, is a famous city built by the Mayans in what is today known as Yucatán, Southern Mexico. It is not completely known why Chichen Itza was abandoned, only that it remains in good condition to this day, and is a stunning example of Mayan architecture.
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Monte Albán, estimated to have been built in 500BC, and located in what is now known as the state of Oaxaca in Mexico, was primarily occupied by which pre-Columbian civilization?
Monte Albán, estimated to have been built in 500BC, and located in what is now known as the state of Oaxaca in Mexico, was primarily occupied by which pre-Columbian civilization?
Monte Albán was the cultural and political center of the Zapotec civilization for over one thousand years. The Zapotec civilization occupied the area now known as Oaxaca in Mexico. It was founded between 500 and 700BC, and later abandoned, over 1,000 years later. Although other Pre-Columbian civilizations discovered and potentially occupied the remains of Monte Albán after its abandonment, no civilization occupied it as their cultural and political center like the Zapotec civilization did.
Monte Albán was the cultural and political center of the Zapotec civilization for over one thousand years. The Zapotec civilization occupied the area now known as Oaxaca in Mexico. It was founded between 500 and 700BC, and later abandoned, over 1,000 years later. Although other Pre-Columbian civilizations discovered and potentially occupied the remains of Monte Albán after its abandonment, no civilization occupied it as their cultural and political center like the Zapotec civilization did.
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The pyramids found alongside these stone monuments in what is now Hidalgo, Mexico, are examples of the architectural style of which pre-Columbian civilization of Mesoamerica?
The pyramids found alongside these stone monuments in what is now Hidalgo, Mexico, are examples of the architectural style of which pre-Columbian civilization of Mesoamerica?
The Toltec civilization dominated the area of Mexico that is now known as the state of Hidalgo in the early post-classic period of Mesoamerican chronology. The pyramids constructed in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico, show an interesting similarity to Mayan architecture, though they are different enough as to be able to determine Toltec from Mayan architecture. What the similarities seem to hint at is that there was some kind of interaction between the Mayan and Toltec civilizations.
In addition, the Aztec peoples considered the Toltec civilization as their ancestors. Although little is known about the history of the Toltec civilization, the Aztecs wrote about them extensively. Unfortunately, it is not known if the accounts of the Aztecs are indeed historical, or simply fictional accounts of those whom they consider to be their ancestors.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
The Toltec civilization dominated the area of Mexico that is now known as the state of Hidalgo in the early post-classic period of Mesoamerican chronology. The pyramids constructed in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico, show an interesting similarity to Mayan architecture, though they are different enough as to be able to determine Toltec from Mayan architecture. What the similarities seem to hint at is that there was some kind of interaction between the Mayan and Toltec civilizations.
In addition, the Aztec peoples considered the Toltec civilization as their ancestors. Although little is known about the history of the Toltec civilization, the Aztecs wrote about them extensively. Unfortunately, it is not known if the accounts of the Aztecs are indeed historical, or simply fictional accounts of those whom they consider to be their ancestors.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
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The free-standing columns found in Hidalgo, Mexico, are a remnant of the architecture of which pre-Columbian civilization?
The free-standing columns found in Hidalgo, Mexico, are a remnant of the architecture of which pre-Columbian civilization?
The Toltec civilization dominated the area of Mexico that is now known as the state of Hidalgo in the early post-classic period of Mesoamerican chronology. The free-standing columns depicting Toltec warriors, also called Atlantean figures, are an example of the art and architecture of the Toltec civilization.
The Aztec people considered the Toltec civilization to be their ancestors. They saw these statues as representations of their Gods, such as Quetzalcoatl, and saw the Toltec architecture of Tula, Hidalgo as a divine space, like a city of Gods.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
The Toltec civilization dominated the area of Mexico that is now known as the state of Hidalgo in the early post-classic period of Mesoamerican chronology. The free-standing columns depicting Toltec warriors, also called Atlantean figures, are an example of the art and architecture of the Toltec civilization.
The Aztec people considered the Toltec civilization to be their ancestors. They saw these statues as representations of their Gods, such as Quetzalcoatl, and saw the Toltec architecture of Tula, Hidalgo as a divine space, like a city of Gods.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
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Monte Albán, pictured above, occupied from the year 500 BC to the year 850 AD, is a classic example of which style of architecture?
Monte Albán, pictured above, occupied from the year 500 BC to the year 850 AD, is a classic example of which style of architecture?
Monte Albán, founded in large part by the Zapotec civilization, is a classic example of Pre-Columbian architecture. This means that it is was constructed in the Americas prior to European discovery and settlement. The city's stacked-pyramid appearance is a classic example of the most well-known style of Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerican architecture. In addition, the dates of its occupancy match up to those of Pre-Columbian civilizations.
Monte Albán, founded in large part by the Zapotec civilization, is a classic example of Pre-Columbian architecture. This means that it is was constructed in the Americas prior to European discovery and settlement. The city's stacked-pyramid appearance is a classic example of the most well-known style of Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerican architecture. In addition, the dates of its occupancy match up to those of Pre-Columbian civilizations.
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Which of the following was a significant building method in Incan architecture?
Which of the following was a significant building method in Incan architecture?
The architecture of the Inca Empire reflected their mountain locale, which stretched across modern day Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Large stones were frequently used for significant buildings, such as the massive complex of Macchu Picchu. The most remarkable aspect of Inca masonry was its intricate stonecutting, which allowed their masonry to be put together without the use of mortar or any binding substance.
The architecture of the Inca Empire reflected their mountain locale, which stretched across modern day Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Large stones were frequently used for significant buildings, such as the massive complex of Macchu Picchu. The most remarkable aspect of Inca masonry was its intricate stonecutting, which allowed their masonry to be put together without the use of mortar or any binding substance.
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Incan architecture employed which of the following building techniques?
Incan architecture employed which of the following building techniques?
Ashlar masonry is the term given to the finely beveled rocks fitted closely next to one another by Incan builders. Corbelling was used by Hindu architects to lend cavelike appearances to temples. Post-and-lintel construction was used in the building of Neolithic structures, including Stonehenge. Lacunari refers to the coffers used by Roman builders to lessen the weight of heavy ceilings.
Ashlar masonry is the term given to the finely beveled rocks fitted closely next to one another by Incan builders. Corbelling was used by Hindu architects to lend cavelike appearances to temples. Post-and-lintel construction was used in the building of Neolithic structures, including Stonehenge. Lacunari refers to the coffers used by Roman builders to lessen the weight of heavy ceilings.
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The Templo Mayor located within the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan conveyed to its people both a religious and a __________ message.
The Templo Mayor located within the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan conveyed to its people both a religious and a __________ message.
Aztec temples were not just centers for religious worship, but also displays of political propaganda. The Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, for example, was a reminder to the people of Tenochtitlan that a great amount of wealth and power was required to erect it, and that such power should be respected.
Aztec temples were not just centers for religious worship, but also displays of political propaganda. The Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, for example, was a reminder to the people of Tenochtitlan that a great amount of wealth and power was required to erect it, and that such power should be respected.
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Which feature of Monte Albán, pictured above, is meant to represent the victims of human sacrifice of the Zapotec civilization?
Which feature of Monte Albán, pictured above, is meant to represent the victims of human sacrifice of the Zapotec civilization?
The Zapotec civilization used stone monuments depicting naked men with distorted posture and often mutilated genitals, called "Danzantes," or "Dancers," to represent their victims of human sacrifice. These stone monuments can be seen throughout the plazas of Monte Albán. Over 300 of these monuments have been found.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama\_of\_Monte\_Alban\_from\_the\_South\_Platform.jpg
Photograph by Matt Saunder
The Zapotec civilization used stone monuments depicting naked men with distorted posture and often mutilated genitals, called "Danzantes," or "Dancers," to represent their victims of human sacrifice. These stone monuments can be seen throughout the plazas of Monte Albán. Over 300 of these monuments have been found.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama\_of\_Monte\_Alban\_from\_the\_South\_Platform.jpg
Photograph by Matt Saunder
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Incan architecture employed which of the following building techniques?
Incan architecture employed which of the following building techniques?
Ashlar masonry is the term given to the finely beveled rocks fitted closely next to one another by Incan builders. Corbelling was used by Hindu architects to lend cavelike appearances to temples. Post-and-lintel construction was used in the building of Neolithic structures, including Stonehenge. Lacunari refers to the coffers used by Roman builders to lessen the weight of heavy ceilings.
Ashlar masonry is the term given to the finely beveled rocks fitted closely next to one another by Incan builders. Corbelling was used by Hindu architects to lend cavelike appearances to temples. Post-and-lintel construction was used in the building of Neolithic structures, including Stonehenge. Lacunari refers to the coffers used by Roman builders to lessen the weight of heavy ceilings.
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