Architecture and Ancient Civilizations Exam Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key architectural concepts, historical sites, urbanism, and early civilizations from the lecture review.

Grid System

An urban planning layout with straight intersecting streets at 90-degree angles forming blocks, utilized by early cultures such as the Greeks and Romans.

Dynasty

A series of rulers sharing a common origin, where power is typically handed down within a family.

Lionsgate

A historic structure noted for utilizing both post and lintel construction as well as corbeling.

Plan

An overhead architectural drawing that shows the layout and interior spaces of a building.

Pompeii

An ancient site preserved by a volcanic eruption, providing key architectural evidence for early Roman construction and life.

Terra Mater

A site identified as the world's oldest known dwelling.

Hatsheput

The first documented woman to rule with the complete authority of a man.

Pantheon Opening (Oculus)

An aperture located in the roof of the Pantheon that allows natural light and rain into the structure.

Roman Colonization Planning

The dissemination of organized infrastructure across conquered territories, including standardized arches, drainage systems, public baths, aqueducts, and theaters.

Urbanism (Early Cities vs. Villages)

A pattern of social development distinguishing early Near Eastern cities from Neolithic settlements, marked by labor specialization and social stratification.

Status of Egyptian Architects

Highly respected figures who could read plans, were recorded by name in tombs, and held status so high they were viewed almost as gods.

Maison Carre

An ancient Roman temple in Nîmes, France, exemplifying classic Roman temple design that later influenced Western architecture, including United States government buildings.

Harappan Culture

An Indus Valley civilization characterized by public baths and wide sewers, distinguished from Mesopotamia and Egypt by an apparent absence of monumental temples and statues.

Neolithic Revolution

The transition occurring around the end of the ice age marked by the rise of agriculture, animal husbandry, permanent settled communities, and megalithic building.

Greek Temple

A religious building surrounded by exterior column orders (such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) designed to function like an exterior stage set rather than a space for indoor congregation.