Prehistoric
Relating to or denoting the period before written records.
Aesthetic
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Ocher
A natural earth pigment containing iron oxide, used in painting.
Monochrome
An artwork created with a single color or shades of one color.
Post-and-lintel
A construction method in which a horizontal member (lintel) is supported by two vertical posts.
Register
A horizontal band or panel in a work of art, often used to separate scenes or elements.
Hierarchical Scale
A technique in art where the size of figures is determined by their importance.
Classical
Relating to the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
Polytheistic
Worshipping or believing in multiple gods.
Composition
The arrangement of elements in an artwork.
Illusionism/Illusionistic
A technique that creates the illusion of reality in art.
Apse
A semicircular or polygonal recess, typically at the end of a church.
Coffer
A recessed panel in a ceiling or vault, often used for decoration.
Spolia
Reused building stone or decorative sculpture on new monuments.
Tessera
A small block of stone, tile, glass, or other material used in mosaic work.
Icon
An image or representation, often religious, that holds significant meaning.
Theotokos
A Greek term meaning 'Mother of God,' referring to Mary.
Encaustic
A painting technique involving heated beeswax mixed with colored pigments.
Hajj
The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, required of all Muslims.
Circumambulation
Walking in a circle around a holy site or object as an act of devotion.
Qibla
The direction that Muslims face during prayer, towards the Kaaba in Mecca.
Mihrab
A niche in a mosque that indicates the qibla.
Minbar
A pulpit in a mosque from which the sermon is delivered.
Minaret
A tall tower attached to a mosque, from which the call to prayer is announced.
Manuscript
A handwritten document, often historical or religious in significance.
Parchment
A writing surface made from animal skin used in manuscripts.
Codex
An ancient manuscript text in book form, containing pages.