Islamic and Inca Architecture: Mosques, Palaces, and Ancient Structures

Four-iwan mosque

A mosque characterized by four iwans, which are vaulted spaces that open onto a courtyard.

muqarnas

A form of ornamented vaulting in Islamic architecture, often resembling honeycomb.

calligraphy

The art of beautiful handwriting, often used in Islamic decoration.

ceramic tiles

Tiles made from clay and often decorated, used for covering surfaces in architecture.

Shah Abbas 1

The ruler who commissioned the Royal Mosque in Isfahan.

courtyard

An open space surrounded by buildings, often found in mosque architecture.

madrassas

Educational institutions for Islamic learning, often attached to mosques.

entrance Iwan

The main vaulted entrance space in a four-iwan mosque.

minarets

Tall towers attached to mosques, used for the call to prayer.

bulbous dome

A dome that is rounded and bulging, often seen in Islamic architecture.

Chihil Suntun Palace

A pavilion built by Abbas 2, used as a ceremonial pavilion for Safavid rulers.

lions on the columns

Decorative elements used as column bases in the Chihil Suntun Palace.

Quipu

A method of record keeping used by the Inca, involving knots tied in strings.

Chasqui

A messenger in the Inca Empire who carried messages across the road system.

Machu Picchu

An ancient Inca city located in Peru, known for its archaeological significance.

megalithic masonry

Construction technique using large stone blocks, characteristic of Inca architecture.

cyclopean masonry

A type of stone construction using massive stones, often without mortar.

Temple of the 3 windows

A notable structure found in Machu Picchu, recognized for its three windows.

Intawatana

A ritual stone associated with the Inca, believed to be a hitching post for the sun.

Great Enclosure

A large stone structure in Great Zimbabwe, indicative of its historical significance.

Bantu speaking Shona people

The ethnic group that built the structures at Great Zimbabwe.

Kasbah

A more permanent, defensible structure for multiple families to live in.

stone, fired brick, mud brick, adobe

Materials commonly used in the construction of a Kasbah.

Castle

A medieval European structure that shares characteristics with a Kasbah, such as towers and defensible walls.

cut granite blocks

Materials used in construction.

terracotta

Materials used in construction.

clay

Materials used in construction.

thatch

Materials used in construction.

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Churches built in Ethiopia during the 12th-13th centuries.

King Lalibela

Motivated to create heaven on earth/New Jerusalem as instructed by God.

Church of St. George

Significant for its Greek Cross shape and inspiration from Gothic architecture.

Renaissance

Revival of art and literature, inspired by Greek and Roman architecture.

Vitruvius

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a Roman engineer and architect, author of 'The Ten Books on Architecture'.

Filippo Brunelleschi

Trained goldsmith and father of Renaissance architecture.

Florence Baptistry

Brunelleschi did NOT design the doors for this structure.

dome of Florence cathedral

Faced technical challenges requiring innovations such as a double shell and three types of ribs.

Foundling Hospital

Purpose was to take in and care for orphans.

guild of silk manufacturers and goldsmiths

Paid for the Foundling Hospital, reflecting 15th century society in Florence.

first building of the Renaissance

Known for drawing from ancient architecture and using modular design.

classical architecture principles

Symmetry and proportion as used by Brunelleschi.

Church of San Andrea

Commissioned by Ludovico Gonzaga, inspired by ancient Roman structures.

Fortuna Virilia

Ancient Roman structure that inspired the Church of San Andrea.

Arch of Titus

Ancient Roman structure that inspired the Church of San Andrea.

Palladian facade

Defined by tripartite design and classical architectural elements.

Palazzo Chiericati

Commissioned by Count Girolamo Chiericati, built between 1550-1552.

Villa Barbaro

Rural villa serving specific purposes in the context of Italian architecture.

trompe l'oeil painting

A technique used in architectural decoration.

Château

A French term for a castle or a large country house.

Châteaux

The plural form of château.

Commissioned

To officially order the construction of a building.

Architect

A person who designs buildings and often oversees their construction.

Elizabethan Country House

A large house built during the Elizabethan era for governmental officials and courtiers.

Strapwork Decoration

A decorative style characterized by ornamental designs that resemble straps or bands.

Pilasters

Flat, rectangular columns that are attached to a wall.

Balustrades

A railing supported by balusters, often found on staircases or balconies.

Doric Triglyph and Metope Frieze

An architectural element in classical architecture where triglyphs (three vertical grooves) alternate with metopes (plain panels).

Medieval Tracery

Decorative stonework elements in windows, typical of Gothic architecture.

Hammerbeam Truss

A type of roof truss that uses short horizontal beams to support the roof.

Tripartite Facade

A facade divided into three distinct sections.

Rustication

The rough, unfinished appearance of stonework, often used at the base of buildings.

Ionic Columns

A style of column characterized by scroll-like ornaments on the capital.

Frieze

A decorative band that runs along the upper part of a wall.

Proportionality

The relationship of dimensions and sizes in architecture that creates harmony.

Illusionistic Painting

A technique used to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface.

Greek Cross Modular Design

A design layout that resembles a cross with arms of equal length.

Spiral Staircases

Staircases that ascend in a spiral pattern, often used to save space.

Banqueting Hall

A large hall designed for hosting banquets and entertainment events.

Great Hall

A large room used for gatherings, often the main space in a castle or manor.

Architectural Elements

The fundamental components that make up a building's design.

Renaissance Forms

Architectural styles and elements that originated during the Renaissance period.

Nostalgic Admiration

A sentimental longing for the past, often reflected in design.