Architecture ABC's Trivia Quiz

Answer: Arch

The use of arches first appeared in ancient Mesopotamia, but it was the ancient Romans who were the first to use the technique in many different structures, such as aqueducts, bridges, and gates. They also made grand free-standing arches to celebrate great military victories, as well as vaults that were used for roofs or ceilings.

The picture shows the Roman use of the arch in the south gate of Jerash, Jordan. Many fine examples of Roman structures, such as a hippodrome, temples, and theatres can be viewed there today.

Answer: Belfry

The medieval belfry was a specialized siege tower which was used to approach the defensive walls of a city. Many times the tower was as tall as the wall to allow archers to shoot from the top. Always in danger of destruction by fire, the belfry was usually protected with some type of non-flammable covering.

Many times the belfry was used as a last resort to breach the walls because the building of such a tower took a lot of time and resources. Built on wheels for mobility, when the tower drew close enough to the wall, a gangplank would drop and soldiers would rush the city.

Answer: Caryatid

Probably the best known example of the caryatid column is the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens. Originally there were six figures, but one was removed to England by Lord Elgin and is now in the British Museum. All of the figures are of the same height and build; each statue is individually different with an elaborate hairstyle that helps to support the neck, which would be the structurally weakest point on the column.

Answer: Dromos

The dromos of Luxor, much like similarly-used avenues in ancient Egypt, consists of an avenue of sphinxes that ends at the Temple of Luxor in front of the great pylon that was constructed by Ramses the Great. In Greek architecture the dromos is sometimes a covered passageway that leads to a building or tomb.

Answer: Entablature

The entablature is an element of classical architecture that usually consists of three parts. The architrave is similar to the lintel in post and lintel construction and immediately touches the column's capital. The frieze may or may not be decorated; the cornice, or projecting upper section, is on top.

Answer: Flying Buttress

Connected with Gothic church architecture, and not fully developed until then, the flying buttress has two main components. First, the buttress, which is the vertical masonry block, is on the outside of the building. Next, the arch, which is the flyer, bridges the gap between the buttress and the wall.

Answer: Gable

The shape of the gable that is used depends on the structural system of the house and design concerns. Usually called the gable wall, the term refers not only to the gable, but also the wall below it. Gables became popular during the late medieval period and Renaissance.

The Greycliffe House in Sydney, Australia, is listed on the Australian Register of the National Estate. Completed in 1852, it has served as a private residence. Today it is used as a visitor center for Sydney Harbour National Park.

Answer: Hip Roof

A building with a hip roof has no gables. Constructed in a variety of shapes, such as mansard and gablet, a squared-shaped hip roof is formed like a pyramid. The design is commonly used for cottages and bungalows.

Answer: Imperial Roof Design

The Imperial Roof Design with the row of small figures is only allowed on official buildings. This picture is of the Imperial Palace Museum of the Forbidden City, Beijing, China. The yellow glaze that is seen in the picture is reserved for the emperor. Normally at the beginning of the line of figures there is a man riding a mythical beast, which symbolizes the person serving the emperor. An imperial dragon is placed at the end of the figures to represent the authority of the state.

In between there are mythical beasts which are ready to pounce on the man if he fails in his duty to the emperor.

Answer: Jagati

The feature of the jagati is usually not seen on temples that are enclosed by walls, but is commonly used on more isolated temples. It allows for devotees to walk around the temple. The temple seen in the picture is Angkor Wat, a Buddhist temple in Cambodia.