Understanding terminology that describes Ancient Greek and Roman architecture

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AP Art History › Understanding terminology that describes Ancient Greek and Roman architecture

Questions 1 - 10
1

The Roman building the Pantheon features columns in the style called __________.

Corinthian

Ionic

Doric

Composite

Explanation

Ancient Greek and Roman architecture can be broken down into three main chronological groupings, from oldest to youngest: the Doric, the Ionic, and the Corinthian. As a building of the Roman Empire, the Pantheon, built between 27 BCE and 126 CE, is emblematic of the Corinthian order, especially its ornate columns lining its portico.

2

The ______________ refers to the use of a different architectural order (Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian) on each level of a building, as on the Colosseum.

progression of orders

progression of columns

rhythmos

symmetria

Explanation

The use of different architectural orders on each level of a building is called the progression of orders. In Classical architecture, each "order" refers to a particular style, identifiable mostly by the profile and proportions of the columns. The progression of orders takes these structural elements and uses them as decorative elements, especially in Roman and Neoclassical architecture.

3

A _____________ is a circular building in Greek and Roman architecture.

tholos

mausoleum

rotunda

basilica

Explanation

In Greek and Roman architecture, a circular building is called a tholos. The tholos (plu. tholoi) is more common in Greek architecture than in Roman architecture; normally they were used for circular temples or shrines. In the Mycenaean tradition, the term "tholos" refers to a kind of circular, beehive-shaped tomb.

4

A ______________ column resembles a Doric column, but it is unfluted and has a base.

Tuscan

Ionic

Cycladian

Corinthian

Explanation

Tuscan columns are the standard type of Etruscan column. They closely resemble Doric columns, but are usually made of wood, have a base and are not fluted along the shaft.

5

A(n) ___________ is a circular opening at the top & center of a dome.

oculus

ambulatory

rose window

impluvium

apse

Explanation

This is the definition of an oculus, and can be found in the Pantheon and other Roman & Greek buildings.

The only other answer that is an open design is the rose window, but those are not found in the top of a dome.

The apse and ambulatory are specific areas in a basilica plan church, not a part of a dome.

The impluvium is an indented/sunken area in a structure to collect rain.

6

A horizontal area of sculpted decoration on a wall close to the ceiling is known as a(n) ___________________.

frieze

entablature

cornice

architrave

arcade

Explanation

A frieze is a sculpted decoration near the ceiling of a temple or other structure from classical architecture. The rest are all other architectural terms: an entablature is the upper section of a building's facade supported by columns; a cornice is the top part of the entablature; an architrave is the lower part of the entablature; and an arcade is a series of columns with arches spanning the distance between them.

7

An Ionic column is distinguished by __________.

scroll-shaped ornaments in its capital

a plain, heavy base

floral ornaments in its capital

ornate ornamentation in its base

Explanation

The three "classical orders" applied to columns in Ancient Greek architecture are Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian, going from least to most ornate. The Ionic column is most easily distinguished by its capital, or the top of the column. On every Ionic column, a scroll-shaped ornamentation is placed at the top portion of the column.

8

A __________ is a triangular gable found over major architectural elements, especially the porch of Classical temples.

Pediment

Entablature

Echinus

Stylobate

Explanation

The triangular gable over a major architectural element is called a pediment. In Classical and especially Greek temples, the pediment is decorated with a sculpture that tells a story or a myth. The pediment is the defining architectural feature of the Classical temple, and it also shows up a lot in Greek Revival architecture in Europe and the United States.

9

The chamber at the center of an ancient temple is called a ________________.

cella

peristyle

caldarium

cubiculum

Explanation

The "cella" is the central room or chamber of an ancient temple; often this is where the cult statue of the god or goddess would be set up.

10

Female figures supporting an overhang in place of columns are known as __________.

caryatids

serdabs

amphorae

kouros

Explanation

Often found in Ancient Greek architecture, female figures used as part of or in place of plainer columns are known as caryatids.

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