history of spanish art quiz 1 terms

Prehistoric & Ancient Spain

  • Altamira – A cave in northern Spain famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings, dating back over 15,000 years.

  • Dama de Elche – A famous Iberian bust (c. 4th century BCE) depicting a richly adorned woman, possibly a priestess or goddess.

  • Dama de Baza – An Iberian funerary sculpture (c. 4th century BCE) of a seated woman, found in Granada.

  • Tartessos – An ancient civilization (c. 9th–6th centuries BCE) in southern Spain, known for its wealth, trade, and mysterious disappearance.

  • Phoenicians – A seafaring people from the eastern Mediterranean who established colonies in Spain (like Cádiz) and influenced Iberian culture.

Roman Spain (Hispania)

  • Aqueduct – A Roman structure used to transport water; the Segovia aqueduct is a famous example in Spain.

  • Greek/Roman orders of architecture – The three classical styles of columns used in Greek and Roman architecture: Doric (simple), Ionic (scrolls), and Corinthian (ornate).

  • Trajan – A Roman emperor (98–117 CE), born in Hispania, who expanded the empire to its greatest extent.

  • Vía de la Plata – An ancient Roman road running north-south through western Spain, facilitating trade and movement.

  • Mérida theater – A well-preserved Roman theater in Mérida, built in the 1st century BCE.

  • Itálica – An ancient Roman city in Spain, birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian, featuring amphitheaters and mosaics.

  • Temple of Diana – A Roman temple in Mérida dedicated to Diana, later incorporated into a palace.

  • Triumphal arch – A monumental Roman structure celebrating military victories; examples exist across Spain.

  • Imperial cult – The practice of worshiping Roman emperors as gods, common in Roman Hispania.

Late Antiquity & Early Middle Ages

  • 476 – The fall of the Western Roman Empire, marking the start of the Middle Ages in Europe.

  • Visigoths – A Germanic people who ruled Spain after the fall of Rome (5th–8th centuries) and built early Christian churches.

  • Treasure of Guarrazar – A Visigothic treasure hoard, including golden crowns and crosses, found in Spain.

  • Paleo-Christian – The early Christian art and architecture of the Roman period, often seen in catacombs and churches.

Islamic & Medieval Spain

  • 711 – The year Muslim forces invaded Spain, marking the start of Islamic rule in Al-Andalus.

  • Al-Andalus – The Muslim-ruled region of Spain (711–1492), known for its cultural and artistic achievements.

  • Mihrab – A niche in a mosque wall facing Mecca, indicating the direction of prayer; the Mosque of Córdoba has a famous example.

  • Mosque of Córdoba – A masterpiece of Islamic architecture in Spain, originally built as a mosque and later converted into a cathedral.

  • Mudéjar – A style blending Islamic and Christian architectural elements, created by Muslim artisans working under Christian rule.

  • Ex-votos – Offerings (such as sculptures, plaques, or paintings) left in sacred places as a sign of devotion or gratitude.

Romanesque & Gothic Spain

  • Romanesque – An architectural style (c. 10th–12th centuries) characterized by thick walls, round arches, and small windows.

  • Santiago de Compostela – A major pilgrimage site in Spain, home to the tomb of St. James and a famous Romanesque cathedral.

  • Cathedral of León – A Gothic cathedral known for its stunning stained glass windows.

  • Puerta de la Gloria – A famous sculpted portal of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, created by Master Mateo.

1492 & Beyond

  • 1492 – The year the Catholic Monarchs completed the Reconquista by conquering Granada, ending Islamic rule in Spain.