Architecture in World History

Global History and Geography I Name: ______

E. Napp Date: ______

Architecture is the art or practice of designing and building structures. It is the art or science of building. A society’s architecture reflects its cultural values. In this lesson, students will examine various architectural structures from around the world and explain the cultural values that are reflected in the buildings.

The Buddhist Stupa

List three facts about stupas:

  1. ______
  2. ______
  3. ______

A Pagoda

In this space next to the pagoda, list three facts about a pagoda. Use the information below the pagoda for information:

With the arrival of Buddhism in China and Japan, an architectural change occurs. The stupa becomes a tall and slender wooden tower or a pagoda. It, too, has holy relics or objects of great Buddhist masters.

The Greek column:

The Doric style is a plain column.

The Ionic column has the scroll shape at the top.

The Corinthian column is the most elaborate.

Can you name this famous building?

______

This famous building uses the Doric style for its famous columns. It was dedicated to the Goddess, Athena. All Greek temples were built to be viewed from the outside.

List two famous buildings in the United States that incorporate columnsin architectural designs:

  1. ______
  2. ______

The Cathedral:

During the Medieval period in Western Europe, many cathedrals were built. Cathedrals were important and generally large churches. Usually, a bishop presided in a cathedral. Since the Roman Catholic faith was very important in the Middle Ages, the Cathedral signified the importance of heaven. Its majesty reflected the majesty of heaven and of the faith.

List three facts about Cathedrals:

  1. ______
  2. ______
  3. ______

The Mosque:

A mosque is a Muslim house of worship. The word “mosque” is related to the word for “prostration” since Muslims must pray five times a day. A mosque is surrounded by minarets. A minaret is a tower. The muezzin calls the faithful for prayer from the top of the minaret. Minarets are towers pointing to heaven.

List three facts about mosques:

1: ______

2: ______

3: ______

The Egyptian Pyramids:

The Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for deceased pharaohs. Believing in an afterlife, the Egyptians protected the bodies of deceased pharaohs. Pyramids had many secret passages. The pharaoh was usually buried near the bottom or even underground. Other rooms contained furniture or jewelry to ensure that the pharaoh enjoyed the afterlife.

List three facts about Egyptian pyramids:

1: ______

2: ______

3: ______

The HinduTemple:

The Hindu temple is the focus of all aspects of life in the Hindu community. The temple is the place where divine knowledge can be discovered. The temple focuses on liberation or ending the cycle of birth and rebirth. The temple dissolves the boundaries between man and the divine. Every aspect of the temple is designed to encourage the Hindu to focus on the spiritual realm as opposed to the material realm.

List three facts about Hindu temples:

1: ______

2: ______

3: ______

List three facts about the Great Wall of China:

1: ______

2: ______

3: ______

Even the Regents Examines World Architecture:

These architectural achievements best indicate that

(1) advanced technology existed in early civilizations

(2) religion was of little importance

(3) entertainment was important to these ancient societies

(4) trade routes existed between China and the Americas

In most societies, works of art and architecture generally serve to

  1. satisfy the needs of the leaders
  2. limit the influence of religion
  3. reflect the values of that society
  4. express opposition to the government in power

Word Bank:

Architecture, Stupa, Pagoda, Mosque, Cathedral, Roads, Great Wall, Pyramids, Columns