HUMANITIES TERMS: Humanities Semester Exam

By Veda Venkat

Acropolis

A high, fortified area in ancient Greek cities, usually housing important religious and political buildings. The Acropolis of Athens, with structures like the Parthenon, was the center of Athenian power and culture, symbolizing the city’s wealth and devotion to the gods

Alhambra

A Moorish palace and fortress in Granada, Spain, built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It showcases Islamic art and architecture with intricate tilework, courtyards, and gardens, reflecting the cultural and political power of the Nasrid Dynasty in Spain

Amphitheater

A large, open-air venue used for public entertainment, such as gladiatorial contests and plays. The Roman Colosseum is a prime example, symbolizing Roman engineering and the empire's focus on public spectacles to entertain and control the masses

Arch

A curved structure used to span openings and support weight, first developed by the Romans. It allowed the construction of durable bridges, aqueducts, and monumental buildings, and remains a key feature in architecture

Capital

The top part of a column, often elaborately designed. The different styles of capitals—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—became symbols of cultural identity and were used in Greek and Roman temples to represent political power and religious devotion

Coliseum

A giant amphitheater in Rome, known for its gladiator games and public spectacles. It represents Roman engineering and the social importance of entertainment in Roman society, capable of seating over 50,000 spectators

Corinthian

A decorative style of column with an ornate capital featuring acanthus leaves and scrolls. The most elaborate of the three classical column styles, it became popular in Roman architecture, symbolizing luxury and grandeur

Dome

A curved roof or ceiling that forms a half-sphere. The Romans perfected the use of domes, as seen in the Pantheon, to create large, open interior spaces. Domes became a hallmark of Roman architecture and later Christian churches

Grand Mosque at Mecca

The largest mosque in the world, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the focal point of the Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj), with the Kaaba at its center, representing Islamic faith and unity for Muslims

Great Wall of China

A vast series of fortifications built to protect China from northern invaders. It spans thousands of miles and stands as a symbol of China's military strength and the efforts to unify and defend the empire

Ionic

A style of column with a slender, elegant shape and decorative capitals featuring scrolls. It was used in many Greek temples and later in Roman architecture, representing a balance of beauty and function

Minaret

A tall tower attached to a mosque from which the call to prayer is announced. Minarets became a key feature of Islamic architecture, symbolizing the presence of Islam in a city and aiding in the call to prayer

Mosque

A place of worship for Muslims, with distinctive features like a prayer hall, minarets, and often a dome. Mosques serve as community centers, with architecture reflecting Islamic values of modesty, unity, and devotion to Allah

Mosque at Jenne

A mud-brick mosque in Mali, West Africa, constructed in the 13th century. It is a stunning example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture, combining Islamic influence with local building traditions

Oculus

A circular opening at the top of a dome. The oculus in the Pantheon allowed light to flood the interior, symbolizing the connection between the heavens and earth, and became a significant feature in classical architecture

Pantheon

A Roman temple dedicated to all gods, known for its massive dome and oculus. Completed around 126 CE, it exemplifies Roman engineering and architectural innovation and remains a symbol of the empire's grandeur

Parthenon

A temple in Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena, built in the 5th century BCE. It is a symbol of ancient Greek culture, democracy, and the city’s devotion to the gods, influencing Western architecture for centuries

Pediment

The triangular space above the entrance of a building, often decorated with sculptures. In Greek temples like the Parthenon, the pediment displayed scenes from mythology, adding aesthetic value to the structure

Pyramid

A monumental structure with a square base and triangular sides, often used as tombs in ancient Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the most famous, symbolizing the pharaoh's power and the belief in an afterlife

Volutes

Spiral or scroll-like decorative elements found on the capitals of Ionic and Corinthian columns. They were a significant feature of Greek and Roman architecture, contributing to the aesthetic sophistication of temples and public buildings

Ziggurat

A large, stepped tower in ancient Mesopotamia, often with a temple at the top. Ziggurats were religious centers and symbolized the connection between humans and gods, with the Ziggurat of Ur being one of the most famous examples

Arabesque

An intricate pattern of interlacing lines and shapes, often used in Islamic art. Arabesque designs reflect Islamic values of unity and infinity and are found in mosques, manuscripts, and textiles

Calligraphy

The art of decorative writing, especially important in Islamic culture for transcribing the Quran and other religious texts. Islamic calligraphy was an essential art form, embodying both aesthetic beauty and religious devotion

Catharsis

The emotional purging experienced by the audience in Greek tragedies, particularly through the evocation of pity and fear. It was believed to provide moral and emotional resolution, a key element in Aristotle’s theory of tragedy

Chorus

A group of performers in ancient Greek theater who comment on the action of the play through song and dance. The chorus played a key role in shaping the emotional tone and moral lessons of Greek tragedies

Discus Thrower

A famous Greek sculpture by Myron, depicting an athlete in the act of throwing a discus. It represents the Greek ideal of the human form, balance, and physical excellence, which was highly valued in their culture

Iliad

An epic poem by Homer, telling the story of the Trojan War, particularly focusing on the hero Achilles. It is a foundational text in Western literature, exploring themes of honor, wrath, and the impact of war

Tragedy (characteristics)

A form of drama focused on serious themes, often involving a noble hero whose flaws lead to their downfall. Key elements include catharsis, a tragic hero, and moral lessons about fate and human nature

Epic (characteristics)

A long, narrative poem about a hero’s deeds, often involving gods or supernatural events. Epics like the Iliad and Aeneid explore themes of heroism, fate, and the struggles between gods and mortals

Gilgamesh

An ancient Mesopotamian epic about the king of Uruk, focusing on his search for immortality. It is one of the earliest known works of literature, highlighting themes of friendship, mortality, and the meaning of life

Kritios Boy

A Greek sculpture from the early Classical period, marking a shift toward more naturalistic representation of the human body. It represents the beginning of the Classical Greek style in art, emphasizing balance and realism

Olmec Head

Large stone sculptures created by the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica, depicting heads of rulers. These monumental statues are one of the most recognizable elements of Olmec culture, symbolizing power and leadership

Terra Cotta Soldiers of Shi Huangdi

A vast army of life-sized clay soldiers buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. They were meant to protect the emperor in the afterlife, reflecting the emperor's desire for immortality and his power

Venus of Willendorf

A small Paleolithic statue of a woman, possibly symbolizing fertility. Found in Austria, it is one of the earliest known representations of the female form, dating back over 25,000 years

Aristotle

A Greek philosopher who wrote on subjects ranging from ethics to biology, laying the foundations for much of Western thought. His work influenced both ancient and modern philosophy and became central to education in the medieval period

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) that teaches the path to enlightenment through meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom. It spread across Asia, deeply influencing cultures in India, China, and Southeast Asia

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, which spread across the Roman Empire and later became dominant in Europe and the Americas. Christianity emphasizes love, salvation, and life after death

Confucianism

A philosophy founded by Confucius, focusing on family, social harmony, and respect for authority. It shaped Chinese society for over two millennia and influenced the cultures of East Asia

Daoism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing harmony with nature and the Dao, the fundamental force in the universe. Daoism stresses simplicity and balance and has influenced Chinese culture and medicine for centuries

Hinduism

One of the oldest religions, originating in India, emphasizing dharma (duty), karma (action), and moksha (liberation). It involves a variety of deities and practices, shaping Indian culture and spreading across Asia

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by the prophet Muhammad, emphasizing submission to the will of Allah. Islam spread across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, shaping the cultural, political, and artistic traditions of the Islamic world

Judaism

The monotheistic religion of the Jewish people, centered on the covenant between God and Israel. It has profoundly influenced Christianity and Islam, with its scriptures and practices shaping Western religious thought

Legalism

A Chinese political philosophy that emphasizes strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order. It was a major influence on the Qin Dynasty, contributing to the unification of China under a centralized, authoritarian state

Plato & Allegory of the Cave

Plato's philosophical concept illustrating how individuals perceive only shadows of reality and must seek knowledge beyond appearances. It explores the nature of truth and enlightenment, influencing Western thought for centuries

Socrates

A Greek philosopher who questioned societal norms and believed in the importance of self-examination. His method of dialogue influenced philosophical inquiry and ethics, despite having no written records of his teachings

Zoroastrianism

An ancient Persian religion founded by Zoroaster, focusing on the duality of good and evil and the worship of the god Ahura Mazda. It influenced later religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism

Mesopotamia (Sumeria, Babylon)

Ancient civilizations in the fertile crescent known for their advancements in writing, law, and urbanization. Their achievements, like the Code of Hammurabi, influenced later cultures in the region and beyond

Egyptian

Ancient Egypt’s civilization was known for its monumental architecture, particularly in tombs and temples, reflecting religious and political power. Egyptian art and culture heavily influenced later Mediterranean civilizations

Chinese

Ancient China is known for its advanced technology, philosophy, and art, with the Silk Road spreading its cultural influence. Chinese art, particularly in calligraphy and ceramics, continues to shape East Asian culture

Greek

The ancient Greek civilization is the foundation of Western philosophy, democracy, and art. Greek architecture, sculpture, and philosophy have had a lasting impact on Western civilization

Persian

The Persian Empire was known for its vast reach and rich culture. Persian art and architecture, such as the grand palaces and reliefs, influenced neighboring regions and showcased the empire's power

Roman

The Romans mastered engineering and military strategy, building monumental structures like the Colosseum and Pantheon. Roman art celebrated military power and influenced architecture and governance across Europe

Islamic

Islamic civilization is known for its advancements in science, philosophy, and art, particularly through geometric patterns and calligraphy. Its cultural influence spread from Spain to Southeast Asia, shaping the arts and architecture of many regions

The Five Pillars of Islam

What they are: The core beliefs and practices in Islam that guide Muslim faith and actions. These include:

Shahada (Faith): Declaration of faith.

Salah (Prayer): Praying five times a day.

Zakat (Charity): Giving to the poor.

Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during Ramadan.

Hajj (Pilgrimage): Journey to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if possible.

Calligraphy in Islamic Art

In Islamic art, calligraphy serves as a form of spiritual and artistic expression. Since depicting human figures is prohibited in religious contexts, calligraphy is used to beautifully transcribe the Quran and convey divine messages. It emphasizes the beauty and significance of written words, reflecting faith and devotion.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

All three religions are monotheistic, meaning they believe in one God. They share common roots as Abrahamic religions, tracing their spiritual ancestry back to the figure of Abraham. Additionally, they all stress ethical teachings like charity, justice, and reverence for God.

Filial Piety

Filial piety is a core virtue in Confucianism, emphasizing the respect, honor, and care children owe to their parents and ancestors. It plays a vital role in maintaining family and societal harmony, guiding individuals to fulfill duties like providing for elderly parents and preserving family traditions.

Daoism

a philosophical and religious tradition from China that emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (Tao), the fundamental force that flows through all life. It advocates for simplicity, spontaneity, and balance with nature, and it teaches followers to follow the natural course of events, avoiding forceful intervention.

Ziggurats and Pyramids

____ and ______were monumental structures built in ancient civilizations for religious purposes. ______, primarily in Mesopotamia, were temples dedicated to gods and used for religious ceremonies. ______ in Egypt were tombs for pharaohs, intended to honor them in the afterlife and symbolize their divine power.

Christianity and Islam

In the Post-Classical Era, ______ and ______ played central roles in shaping the cultures, politics, and societies of Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Both religions provided a moral framework, influenced art and architecture, and were integral in forming political and social institutions, like the Church in Europe and the Caliphates in the Islamic world.

minaret