Architecture Beyond European Artistic Traditions - AP Art History
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All of the following are architectural features of a mosque except __________________.
All of the following are architectural features of a mosque except __________________.
A "minaret" is a tower on a mosque from which a crier, or muezzin, calls the faithful to prayer. A "minbar" is a podium for a reader of the Koran. The "qibla wall," found in the prayer hall, points the believer towards Mecca.
A "minaret" is a tower on a mosque from which a crier, or muezzin, calls the faithful to prayer. A "minbar" is a podium for a reader of the Koran. The "qibla wall," found in the prayer hall, points the believer towards Mecca.
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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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African buildings from the eleventh to fifteenth centuries carved from one large stone would most likely be __________.
African buildings from the eleventh to fifteenth centuries carved from one large stone would most likely be __________.
A peculiarity of Ethiopian architecture has been building entire churches from single blocks of stone from about the twelfth century onwards. This was a common practice for statues and monuments, but Ethiopian Orthodox leaders wanted to enhance the splendor and majesty of certain churches by doing this with buildings. The most famous of these are in Labilela, in Northern Ethiopia, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rock-hewn churches.
A peculiarity of Ethiopian architecture has been building entire churches from single blocks of stone from about the twelfth century onwards. This was a common practice for statues and monuments, but Ethiopian Orthodox leaders wanted to enhance the splendor and majesty of certain churches by doing this with buildings. The most famous of these are in Labilela, in Northern Ethiopia, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rock-hewn churches.
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The spread of Islamic architectural styles that followed the spread of Islam can be seen in ______________.
The spread of Islamic architectural styles that followed the spread of Islam can be seen in ______________.
The influence of Islamic art and architecture can easily be found in Spain, which had Muslim rulers for over 700 years. Thus, the Alhambra and its arabesques is the best choice. Ziggurats predate Islam, pointed arches can't be traced back just to an Islamic influence, and "elaborate designs" is too vague to be correct.
The influence of Islamic art and architecture can easily be found in Spain, which had Muslim rulers for over 700 years. Thus, the Alhambra and its arabesques is the best choice. Ziggurats predate Islam, pointed arches can't be traced back just to an Islamic influence, and "elaborate designs" is too vague to be correct.
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What cultural phenomenon is responsible for the seventh century revolution of art in the region Art Historians refer to as the Near East, creating a unity of theme amongst cultures amidst a diversity of styles, rulers, and peoples?
What cultural phenomenon is responsible for the seventh century revolution of art in the region Art Historians refer to as the Near East, creating a unity of theme amongst cultures amidst a diversity of styles, rulers, and peoples?
The Islamification of nearly the entire region created a common theme and mission, namely the construction of mosques. With this came a movement away from idolatry in lieu of the complex lattice work that ornaments many mosques. Thus, across an entire region, we see commonalities created by the recurring theme of Islam, and the aesthetics that accompany it, juxtaposed with the individual traditions upon which the religion was lain. This question tests a student's ability to frame a movement within the larger picture of history, while recognizing how cultural revolutions create both larger communities and individual differences with and between aesthetic traditions.
The Islamification of nearly the entire region created a common theme and mission, namely the construction of mosques. With this came a movement away from idolatry in lieu of the complex lattice work that ornaments many mosques. Thus, across an entire region, we see commonalities created by the recurring theme of Islam, and the aesthetics that accompany it, juxtaposed with the individual traditions upon which the religion was lain. This question tests a student's ability to frame a movement within the larger picture of history, while recognizing how cultural revolutions create both larger communities and individual differences with and between aesthetic traditions.
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Which of the given movements, with its roots in Egypt, had a strictly decorative aesthetic that provided a pre-cursing framework for the ornamental nature of Islamic Art?
Which of the given movements, with its roots in Egypt, had a strictly decorative aesthetic that provided a pre-cursing framework for the ornamental nature of Islamic Art?
Coptic art emerged out of Egypt as a product of anti-iconic Christian tendencies. During this period, there was much debate in the emerging Christian church as to whether or not iconography would be permissible in Christian art. The Coptic tradition sided against depictions of the divine, laying the framework for the Islamic style which forbids images of the Prophet as blasphemous. This question challenges students to understand how art history, like history itself, is not a simply defined series of movements, but instead the product of cultural assimilation and synthesis, with complicated politics of power and philosophy that evolve styles and root themselves in meaning and belief.
Coptic art emerged out of Egypt as a product of anti-iconic Christian tendencies. During this period, there was much debate in the emerging Christian church as to whether or not iconography would be permissible in Christian art. The Coptic tradition sided against depictions of the divine, laying the framework for the Islamic style which forbids images of the Prophet as blasphemous. This question challenges students to understand how art history, like history itself, is not a simply defined series of movements, but instead the product of cultural assimilation and synthesis, with complicated politics of power and philosophy that evolve styles and root themselves in meaning and belief.
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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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Hindu temple architecture is defined in the works collectively known as __________.
Hindu temple architecture is defined in the works collectively known as __________.
Hindu temple architecture follows guidelines which call for a circular inner sanctum with the rest of the structure emanating from the center room. As with most ancient Hindu artistic traditions, the basic structures and rules for Hindu temple architecture are found in the group of works known as the Shilpa Shastras.
Hindu temple architecture follows guidelines which call for a circular inner sanctum with the rest of the structure emanating from the center room. As with most ancient Hindu artistic traditions, the basic structures and rules for Hindu temple architecture are found in the group of works known as the Shilpa Shastras.
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The ancient Egyptian pyramids were built for what purpose?
The ancient Egyptian pyramids were built for what purpose?
The Great Pyramids at Giza were the largest structures in the world for almost two thousand years from their construction in roughly 2500 BCE. Remarkably, the pyramids were built for a singular, one-time purpose as the tombs of Pharaohs and their families. The Pyramids were built away from other settlements, and were intended as massive monuments to the Pharaohs' power.
The Great Pyramids at Giza were the largest structures in the world for almost two thousand years from their construction in roughly 2500 BCE. Remarkably, the pyramids were built for a singular, one-time purpose as the tombs of Pharaohs and their families. The Pyramids were built away from other settlements, and were intended as massive monuments to the Pharaohs' power.
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The __________ was a basilica church that was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the Ottoman invasion of Turkey.
An image of the building is shown below.
The __________ was a basilica church that was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the Ottoman invasion of Turkey.
An image of the building is shown below.
This is an image of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
It was first a Greek Basilica church under Constantine and converted to a Mosque when the Turks invaded and occupied Istanbul in 1453.
This is the only answer choice that fits the historical context of being converted to a mosque in this region (Istanbul, Turkey/Greece). Though the Blue Mosque is in Istanbul, it was built after the occupation.
Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hagia\_Sophia\_Cathedral.jpg
This is an image of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
It was first a Greek Basilica church under Constantine and converted to a Mosque when the Turks invaded and occupied Istanbul in 1453.
This is the only answer choice that fits the historical context of being converted to a mosque in this region (Istanbul, Turkey/Greece). Though the Blue Mosque is in Istanbul, it was built after the occupation.
Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hagia\_Sophia\_Cathedral.jpg
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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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