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Quiz about Egyptian And Ancient Architecture Terms
Quiz about Egyptian And Ancient Architecture Terms

Egyptian And Ancient Architecture Terms Quiz


Do you know about Egyptian and ancient architecture? This quiz deals with some of the basic terms used in the study of architecture, especially Egyptian and ancient. Some of this info was gleaned from William L. MacDonald's 'The Pantheon'. Enjoy!

A multiple-choice quiz by rj211. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
rj211
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
53,167
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
2676
Awards
Top 35% Quiz
- -
Question 1 of 10
1. What would you be likely to find in a mastaba? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. Which of the following kinds of pyramids can NOT be found in Egypt? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Which is true of Egyptian and Roman obelisks? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. What is a cenotaph? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. A column built with entasis is one that swells slightly in the middle and narrows towards the top. What is the use of this architectural technique? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. What is an oculus? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. You've just entered a building. Before you arrived, a stranger told you about an incredible sculpture in the fastigium. Where should you look in order to see this sculpture? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. Which of the following is the TRUEST statement for describing a caryatid? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Which of the following is NOT true of the differences between Ionic and Doric columns? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Which of the following terms refers to a small dome set atop another dome or roof? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. What would you be likely to find in a mastaba?

Answer: Dead bodies

Mastabas were used as burial structures. They started off as below-ground pits, then were built up into mounds to prevent robbery of the graves. These eventually evolved into the massive pyramids easily recognizable and automatically associated with Egyptian architecture.
2. Which of the following kinds of pyramids can NOT be found in Egypt?

Answer: Inverted pyramids

There's a step pyramid at Saqqara (aka Sakkara) built by Imhotep. The pyramids at Giza are true pyramids, with their sides sloping up from the ground at approximately a 50-degree angle. There is a bent pyramid at Dasur (aka Dashur). As far as I know, there is no such thing as an inverted pyramid (would it have to balance on its tip?).
3. Which is true of Egyptian and Roman obelisks?

Answer: Egyptian obelisks have low bases; Roman obelisks stand on very high platforms.

Today, most European obelisks are modeled after the ancient Roman style, standing on big and often eccentric platforms. I don't think any obelisks thicken as they go up. Very few obelisks have carvings at their tips. Some do carry crosses, but I haven't heard of any with flowers or people. Very few obelisks, either Egyptian or Roman, remain today in their original places.

The Egyptian obelisks, especially, were transplanted as the lands were plundered and European cultures took the monuments back to their own countries with them.
4. What is a cenotaph?

Answer: A tomb without a body.

A cenotaph is an empty tomb, erected in honor of a dead ruler.
5. A column built with entasis is one that swells slightly in the middle and narrows towards the top. What is the use of this architectural technique?

Answer: It counteracts the optical illusion of concavity that would result without entasis.

Architects employ many techniques to counteract optical illusions, and entasis is one of them.
6. What is an oculus?

Answer: A horizontal circular opening.

There is a famous oculus at the height of the Pantheon's dome. Oculi are good sources for natural light (perhaps a precursor to today's skylights).
7. You've just entered a building. Before you arrived, a stranger told you about an incredible sculpture in the fastigium. Where should you look in order to see this sculpture?

Answer: Look up! The fastigium is above you.

The fastigium is the pediment, a triangular gable over a portico formed by the juncture of roof and cornice, so unless you're really tall or have Inspector Gadget legs, it should be above you.
8. Which of the following is the TRUEST statement for describing a caryatid?

Answer: It is a draped female figure serving as a column.

That's right! Caryatids functioned as columns, and were carved to resemble women in draped garb. However, these women stood and the weight rested on their heads, not their hands.
9. Which of the following is NOT true of the differences between Ionic and Doric columns?

Answer: Doric columns do not have volutes on their capitals; Ionic columns do.

The volutes are the spirals at either end of the so-called cushions found in the capitals of Ionic columns. Most of the ancient buildings (or ruins) in Athens display the earlier and simpler Doric columns.
10. Which of the following terms refers to a small dome set atop another dome or roof?

Answer: Cupola

Cupolas, aside from lending extra height to a building, were often used to admit light and air. A cella is a small circular chamber not meant to be seen from inside. A dromos is a long paved walk, usually leading up to a monument of some sort. A nymphaeum is a fountain house.
Source: Author rj211

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