FINAL- definitions Flashcards
Ashokan Pillar
freestanding stone pillar
inscribed with edicts promoting dharma (moral law) and buddhist teachings
often topped with a lion capital
symbolizes Ashoka’s power and the spread of Buddhism across his empire
Great Stupa at Sanchi
massive hemispherical dome (stupa)
contains relics of the Buddha and serves as a site for meditation and circumambulation
gateways (toranas) are intricately carved with scenes from Buddhist stories and teachings
Chaitya Hall
rock-cut Buddhist prayer hall
featuring a stupa at one end and a high vaulted ceiling supported by columns
used for communal worship and meditation
showcasing the development of Buddhist rock architecture
Borobudur
enormous Buddhist temple
designed as a 3D mandala
features terraces with relief carvings narrating Buddhist teachings
culminating in a central stupa symbolizing enlightenment
Horyu-Ji
buddhist temple complex
world’s oldest wooden structures
reflects transmission of Chinese and Korean Buddhist architectural styles to Japan
incorporates pagodas and courtyard layouts
Old St. Peter’s
basilica-style church
large nave, aisles, and atrium reflect the adaption of Roman civic buildings for Christian worship
symbolizes the rise of Christianity under Constantine
Sta. Costanza
circular mausoleum for Constantine’s daughter
later converted into a church
features a dome and mosaics that blend Christian and pagan imagery
highlights early Christian adaption of Roman forms
Hagia Sophia
features a massive central dome supported by pendentives
og a Christian church
light-filled interior symbolizes heavenly glory
San Vitale
centrally planned Byzantine church
adorned with mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora
blends imperial authority with Christian iconography
octagonal design and rich decoration emphasize the divine and political
Dome of the Rock
islamic shrine
domed structure, Byzantine-inspired mosaics, Arabic inscriptions
signify merging of early Islamic architecture with regional traditions
marks Muhammad’s ascension site
Great Mosque of Damascus
oldest surviving mosques
integrates Roman and Byzantine architectural elements (columns and mosaics)
islamic prayer hall design
symbolizes establishment of islam in the levant
Great Mosque of Cordoba
features hypostyle hall, horseshoe arches, intricate geometric decoration
showcases wealth and cultural sophistication of the Umayyad dynasty in Al-Andalus
Great Mosque at Djenne
monumental adobe mosque
key example of Sudano-sahelian architecture
emphasizes communal construction and adaption of Islamic architectural forms to local materials
Beta Giorghis
monolithic Ethiopian church curved into the rock in the shape of a cross
part of Lalibela church complex
reflects religious devotion and Romanesque-inspired spatial planning
St. Sernin
romanesque pilgrimage church
Latin cross plan, barrel vaults, radiating chapels
emphasizes durability, verticality, and accommodation for large numbers of worshippers
