Midterm 2 Flashcards
ANCIENT ROME AND THE AENID
Mythical founding of Rome!
Dome
Curved structure which has no angles and no corners and can enclose a massive amount of space
Concrete
Allowed for greater flexibility in design and significantly reduces construction time. Water-resistant and can harden underwater, making it vital for constructing roads, arches, aqueducts, and domes.
Arch
Architectural feature (often using a cornerstone) that compresses weight down and outwards while creating open space
Vault
Tunnels / ceilings created out of many arches
Caesar Augustus
Octavius Thurinus, later known as Julius Caesar Augustus (63 BCE – 14 CE), was the FIRST EMPEROR OF ROME and the grand-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar.
Master of messaging – using oration, art, and literature to boost his position and popularity as emperor
Initiated the Pax Romana (200 years of peace) after many years of war
Verism
Extreme realism (over-exaggerated wrinkles and scars in sculpture) meant to glorify the experience and wisdom of Romans
Romulus
A legendary figure in Roman mythology, credited as the founder and first king of Rome. According to the traditional accounts, he and his twin brother, Remus, were the sons of Rhea Silvia and Mars, the god of war. He symbolizes the strength, resilience, and martial prowess that Rome valued.
Remus
A crucial figure in the city’s mythic origins. His story emphasizes themes of brotherhood, rivalry, and tragedy. The tale of Remus’s death at the hands of his brother Romulus serves as a poignant reminder of the costs of ambition and the complexities of leadership and power.
Capitoline She-Wolf
Female wolf that took care of and fed Romulus and Remus. Now a huge Roman symbol!
Bust
Shoulder-Up Portrayal of a Person (ex: Capitoline Brutus)
Aeneas
REPRESENTS ROME
(reason/duty/control = civilized)
Destiny: his fate is to bring his people to Italy and found a city (his descendants would eventually found Rome). Embodiment of Pietas: chooses to leave his city and Dido out of duty
Juno is the goddess that impedes his journey. She does not like Aeneas because she hates the Trojans, and her favorite City is Carthage, which is where Dido is from.
Dido
REPRESENTS CARTHAGE
(emotion/irrationality = barbaric)
Great leader and very similar story to Aeneas initially. In the beginning, she is very similar to Aeneas (pietas)
- Builds up the flourishing city of Carthage after her husband dies when she was queen.
- Has many marriage proposals, but chooses to take care of her people instead
Maintains pietas until she is hit with cupid’s arrow and falls in love with Aeneas
Leaves her duties with Carthage to pursue this relationship (turns from “Pietas” to “Furur”)
Virgil uses Dido as a contrast to Aeneas.
Virgil
Author of The Aeneid. Virgil and Augustus wanted to give Rome a national, foundational story like the Iliad and Odyssey for the Greeks. On his deathbed, Virgil asked that the Aeneid be burned, and scholars are unsure why.
- Debate over whether Virgil was trying to justify the actions of Caesar Augustus and the Roman empire or to question them
Epicureanism
The aim of life is to seek pleasure (finding balance between two extremes that cause pain).
* Pleasure = Absence of pain
(desires & cares lead to pain)
* Highest pleasures are of the mind
* Generally avoided community involvement & political efforts
(because they cause pain lol)
* BELIEF IN ATOMS & MOLECULES (both body and soul) -> NO AFTERLIFE & NO RESURRECTION
Contrapposto
(Italian: “opposite”), in the visual arts, a sculptural scheme, originated by the ancient Greeks, in which the standing human figure is poised such that the weight rests on one leg (called the engaged leg), freeing the other leg, which is bent at the knee.
Stoicism
Most popular philosophy in Rome! (very practical way of living)
* Originated in Greece
* Mind over circumstances; we control our own happiness
* Logic and reason are the greatest good
* Originally very community-based, but now it is reemerging in an individualistic light
* Universe is ordered by divine reason (Logos), and a man cannot change the course of events
* No thing is “good” or “bad”. The only true good is the reasoning/judgement/motives behind our actions
* We should accept the things we cannot control and control our emotional reactions as we seek virtue
* Not concerned about the afterlife
Aqueduct
A watercourse constructed to carry water from a source to a distribution point far away
Triumphal Arch
A monumental structure pierced by at least one arched passageway and erected to honor an important person or to commemorate a significant event–OFTEN A WAR VICTORY.
Pietas
Duty to gods, state and family
-> “peity”
Relief Sculpture
Sculptures that are still attached. A type of art where figures are carved into a flat surface, creating a three-dimensional form that projects from the background
Laocoon
A Trojan priest of Apollo or Poseidon, tried to warn the Trojans about the wooden horse by saying “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts” and proving that the horse was hollow by throwing a spear at it. The gods favored the Greeks, so they sent two giant serpents to kill him and his two sons.
Augustus of Prime Porfa
Statue that Caesar Augustus looking like a powerful military leader and orator (includes cupid on a dolphin (Venus) -> CLAIMING DESCENT FROM THE GODS)
The Colosseum
Amphitheater built FOR THE PEOPLE by Emperor Vespasian on Nero’s grounds
Paid for with spoils of Jewish War
“Colosseum” actually referred to its proximity to a giant statue of Nero next to the amphitheater (this statue was later turned into Apollo)
Hypogeum: place under the stage to store animals and props. includes lots of trap doors to bring stuff up
The Pantheon
Temple to all the gods
Pan=many
Theos=gods
MASSIVE DOME
(oculus = open air)
Columns are one piece
Could accommodate a perfect sphere
Street level now
Why is the Capitoline She-Wolf so significant to Romans? From which story does it come?
1200 BCE - Aeneas flees the city of Troy at the end of the Trojan War and eventually settles in Alba Longa in Italy (Story of “The Aeneid”)
750 BCE - Romulus and Remus (descendants of Aeneas) are taken from Alba Longa as babies. They are rescued and nurtured by the She-Wolf then Romulus is accredited for founding Rome (after killing his brother Remus).
What type of government did the Romans have during the Republican period?
Representative Democracy
(much like the U.S.)
During the 500 years before Imperial Rome
How did the verism of the Roman Republic differ from Classical Greek sculpture?
Verism is very real, whereas classical is very ideal
What major architectural innovations did the Romans employ?
Concrete
The Arch
The Vault
The Dome
Urban Planning & Infrastructure
(grid layouts, aqueducts, roads, sewage)
How did the Aeneid serve to justify and legitimize Caesar Augustus’ position as the Emperor of Rome?
Virgil created the idea that Rome has had a destiny to become this great city. He helps to legitimize Caesar Augustus’ position by justifying all the bad stuff that Augustus did.
What virtues or attributes did the Romans most admire? How do we see these virtues and attributes exhibited in the Aeneid?
Pietas – duty to gods, state, and family
Gravitas – seriousness, sense of responsibility
Dignitas – dignity, self-respect
Virtus – courage, virtue, self-control
Aneas was a great fighter and wanted to stay in the war, but out of duty to the Gods he left
Why does Aeneas leave Dido? What does Aeneas represent? What does Dido represent?
Aeneas leaves Dido because of his duty (pietas) to the gods. He represents a civil man and dido represents the opposite (a barbaric lovestruck woman)
Who came up with the plan for the Trojan Horse? Why did the Trojans let the horse in?
The Cunning Odysseus
The Trojans let the horse in because Sinon told them that they would be foiling the Greek’s plan. Minerva (Roman Athena) helped build the horse in order to destroy Troy
What happened to Laocoon and his sons? Why?
The gods had already destined Troy to be destroyed, so when Laocoon and his sons try to warn Troy, they are Attacked by snakes sent by the gods
How did Caesar Augustus use art to promote his political image and the image of Rome?
His art persuaded others to believe that he was advocating for and protecting the democratic republic. He wanted everyone to think he was bringing them peace!
What are some of the major beliefs of stoicism? Epicureanism? Where did these philosophies originate?
Stoicism: originated in Athens
- virtue is the highest good
- emotional resilience
- fate and rationality (logic)
- interconnectedness
Epicureanism: originated in Athens
- pleasure is the highest good
- simple living (knowledge, friendship, love)
- absence of fear
- learning is a pleasurable experience
What happened to Pompeii/Herculaneum? Why is this event so significant to archeologists and art historians?
Huge volcano erupted and left both of these cities completely covered in ash. This is so significant because much of the architecture and art has been very well preserved after being left for thousands of years untouched!
What was the Colosseum used for? Why was it built?
Used for animal hunts, execution of prisoners, gladiator fights, naval battles
What does the name “Pantheon” mean? Why is it significant architecturally?
Pan = all
Theion = gods
Pantheon = all the gods
Architectural Significance: innovative use of concrete with the dome and oculus which has influenced architectural styles for centuries
THE NEW TESTAMENT AND EARLY CHRISTIANITY
Northern Kingdom of Israel destroyed by Assyrians:
“Scattering of Israel” -> Lost Tribes
Southern Kingdom of Israel taken captive by Babylonians:
“Babylonian Captivity” -> 1st Temple Destroyed
Pharisees
Pious Jews who believed in strict observance of the law of Moses and Jewish traditions and rituals. They SAW ORAL AND WRITTEN TRADITION AS EQUAL in authority (Matthew 23:23)
Sadducees
Elite, aristocratic group of Jewish elders who held great administrative power (especially over the temple). They REJECTED ANYTHING NOT EXPLICITLY WRITTEN in the law of Moses. They rejected the idea of angels, resurrection, immortality, final judgement, etc. The Sadducees were heavily influenced by Greek culture (Mark 12:18, Luke 20:27)
Scribes
Educated men who were looked to as interpreters and teachers of the law of Moses (but they did not have any specific authority).
Sanhedrin
Ancient Jewish court system and council that held significant religious, legal, and political authority.
Given permission by Rome to regulate the internal affairs of the Jewish people. Made up of 70 members of the Jewish elite (Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and elders)
Matthew
Also known as Levi, he was a tax collector before becoming a disciple of Jesus. His focus was on a Jewish audience so he wrote mainly of the fulfilment of prophecy.
Paul
Originally Saul from Tarsus, Cilicia (modern-day Turkey) He was well-educated and studied under Gamaliel, a prominent Pharisee teacher in Jerusalem, which gave him a deep understanding of Jewish law and scriptures.
Missionary and Apostle
Chi Rho
First two letters of the Greek word for Christ and came to symbolize Christ. Preceded the symbol of the cross
Catacombs
Large, underground burial chambers. NOT hiding places for Christians (that is a myth)
- Most early Christian art from this time period is found in catacombs
Shephard
Symbol of Christ
Fish
‘Ichthus’ was the word for fish, but it also served as an acrostic for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior”
Anchor
Symbol of Hope
Peacock
Symbol of Resurrection and Immortality
Basilica
Originally a Roman public building used for legal and other civic proceedings, often located in the forum of a Roman town. The term derives from the Greek “basilikē,” meaning “royal” or “kingly.”
Early Christians adopted the basilica form for church buildings due to its spaciousness and suitability for congregational worship.
House Church
Someone’s home converted into a church
Constantine
First Roman Emperor to accept Christianity. Head of Constantinople (now Istanbul). Issued “Edict of Milan” which ended persecution of Christians. Began searching for and building on traditional Christian sites. Oversaw the Council of Nicaea.
St. Augustine
One of the most influential Christian-Philosophers (catholic apologist). Answered many theological questions in an attempt to defend the Christian faith. A CONVERT!
-> Original Sin: humanity is in a state of sin resulting from the fall of Adam and Eve. This sin is inherited by all humans, necessitating divine grace for salvation.
-> Predestination: while humans have free will, it is limited by their sinful nature. God’s foreknowledge and predestination play a role in salvation, but Augustine maintained that this does not negate human free will.
-> Evil is only the lack of good and arises from the misuse of free will
Original Sin
The belief that all humans are born sinful because of the fall of Adam and Eve. Augustine believed that Adam misused his free will and corrupted God’s creation.
-> LED TO INFANT BAPTISM!! :(
Council of Nicaea
Constantine brings major Christian leaders and basically locks them in a room and tells them that they need to resolve doctrinal contradictions with regards to The Father and The Son.
-> MEGA CONFUSING Doctrine of the Trinity
(and not all of them agreed on it!)
What group was the gospel (testimony) of Matthew generally directed towards? How do we see this reflected in Matthew’s writings?
A Jewish-Christian audience. This is reflected through his focus on genealogy, fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus as a new Moses, and use of Jewish terminology and law.
How did Christ use the Sermon on the Mount to introduce a higher law?
“It has been said of old…but I say unto you…”
- The Sermon on the Mount is more about BECOMING than just doing
- It focuses on developing godlike attributes rather than just avoiding the “thou shalt nots” (“Higher and Holier”)
- Internal, not outward, worship (Temple)
- Eternal, not external, motivation (“Think Celestial”)
Symbolism of Salt!
THE SALT OF THE EARTH
- associated with covenants and sacrifices in ancient Israel
- more valuable than gold (“SALARY”)
- pure salt does not lose its savor (it will never go bad unless mixed, or contaminated, with outside materials). TO LOSE YOUR SAVOR IS TO LOSE YOUR IDENTITY AS A CHILD OF CHRIST
- preservative
- enhances flavor
- has buoyancy properties
What does the commandment to “be ye therefore perfect” actually mean according to President Nelson?
“To reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to be fully developed, to consummate, or to finish.”
What were some of the beliefs/practices of the Pharisees and Sadducees? How does Christ address these practices in the Sermon on the Mount?
Pharisees: oral tradition, ritual purity, public worship
Sadducees: rejection of oral law, temple sacrifice, no resurrection
Jesus taught INNER PURITY, PERSONAL WORSHIP, HEARTFELT OBEDIENCE, SINCERE CHARITY, HEAVENLY FOCUS
Who was the audience for the Sermon on the Mount? How did this affect the way in which Christ taught?
Jewish disciples of Christ. This allowed Him to be able to talk of the Higher Law with authority, clarity, spiritual depth while including calls to action. He gave it to them straight.
Who was the audience for Paul’s speech on Mar’s Hill? How did this affect the way in which Paul taught?
The Athenians (those who spent their time standing in the streets talking about the trendy new philosophies): Epicureans and Stoics!
He began by addressing their temple dedicated “to the unknown god” (to all of the gods). He started by teaching them of the characteristics of the one and only True God. HE FINDS COMMON GROUND! (“offspring of Zeus -> offspring of God”)
What two groups of philosophers does Paul specifically address in his speech? What beliefs held by these groups does he address?
The Epicureans and the Stoics! He discusses the last judgement and the resurrection, which both groups did not believe/understand.
What are some possible reasons that we don’t have a lot of early Christian art?
Persecution of Christians in early years of Christianity made many hesitant to produce art
Early Christians may have been hesitant to produce images because of the prevalence of pagan images
Early Christians did not have a strong or wealthy centralized patron (country to represent them)
Some early Christian art may have been destroyed by Christians themselves because they didn’t want it to turn into idolatry
What are some of the common symbols we might expect to see in early Christian art? How did Christian art relate to classical art?
- Chi Rho
- Fish
- Good Shepherd
- Anchor
- Dove
- Peacock
- Typology
- Orant; figure with hands raised in prayer or worship
Why is St. Augustine’s Confessions so significant to western literature?
“Confessions” is the world’s first real introspective autobiography.
- Augustine examines his behavior, decisions, and motivations critically and openly.
- WE NEED TO ASK OURSELVED “WHY”! If we are the author of our own story, then my own voice in my head is the narrator.
What is the role of St. Augustine’s mother in his conversion?
He was greatly influenced by the desires and prayers of his mom to become Christian. He was often reminded of her hopes and dreams of him finding Christ.
(THE SAME WAY MY MOTHER HAS <3)
How does Augustine feel about the academic structure of his boyhood?
He feels like many of the required classes were not worthwhile because they didn’t bring him closer to God (like “smoke with wind”). He also felt like his parents were overly concerned with pushing him to excel academically rather than encouraging him to be a good person.
What is the significance of the story about stealing the pears in The Confessions? Why is this so troubling to St. Augustine?
Augustine didn’t steal the pears because he was starving, he was doing it just because he wanted to sin–to go against God in a prideful manner. This really bothered him because his desires were purely evil.
How does St. Augustine feel that God had guided his life? How does this relate to beliefs about fate and free will we have discussed in Greek literature?
God had guided his life through a series of divine interventions, even during times when he was living in sin and away from the Christian faith (many of which were through his mom!)
In confessions, he speaks a lot about how he grew and changed as a result of what he was learning. Even though God gave him free will to choose, in the end St. Augustine believed that he was predestined to find Christ and follow Him.
BYZANTINE EMPIRE
(a.k.a. Eastern Roman Empire)
Mosaic
A form of art or decoration created by assembling small pieces of colored glass, stone, ceramic, or other materials to form a pattern or image.
Iconoclasm
The deliberate destruction or prohibition of religious images, icons, or symbols in an attempt to eliminate idolatry
Justinian and Theodora
Emperor and Empress of Byzantine Empire
- famous for their legal and social reforms, military campaigns, and especially religious focus
- Justinian Mosaic and Theodora Mosaic show how they bring CHURCH & STATE together
Icon
“image” or “representation”
A religious work of art, typically a painting, that depicts holy figures such as Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, and angels. These icons were not just artistic creations; they held profound spiritual significance and were integral to the religious and cultural life of Byzantine Christians.
Constantinople
Historically known as Byzantium, then later as Constantinople, and now as Istanbul, is a city straddling Europe and Asia. It has been a significant center of commerce, culture, and politics for centuries.
Under Constantine the Great, who ruled from 324 to 337 CE, the city was extensively rebuilt and renamed Constantinople. It became one of the most important cities in the world, serving as the capital of the Byzantine Empire until its fall to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia = “Holy Wisdom”
Sacred location
Christian Church, then Mosque, then Museum, now Mosque.
Located in Istanbul, Turkey
What did the Byzantine Empire call themselves? What relationship did the Byzantine Empire have to the Roman Empire?
Romans! The Byzantine Empire was the eastern half of the Roman Empire continuing many of the same politics, culture, and religion.
Who moved the capital of the eastern Roman empire to Constantinople?
Emperor Constantine the Great
What are some of the typical characteristics of Byzantine art? How did the purpose and style of Byzantine art differ from classical art?
Purpose: Byzantine art was meant to connect us to the divine–conveying the spiritual rather than portraying realism (as in classical Greece)
Characteristics:
- Heavy use of gold (symbolizing heaven)
- Figures tend to be flat, with drapery disguising the body (the body was thought to be sinful)
- Elongated features, such as noses, fingers, etc.
- Heavy, thick and pronounced eyelids
- Very little background and figures often seem to be floating (this art was meant to take us out of this world)
- Mosaic is a common medium
What does Hagia Sophia mean? Why was the Hagia Sophia so significant architecturally?
“Holy Wisdom”
It served as a center of religious, political, and artistic life for the Byzantine world and has provided us with many useful scholarly insights into the period
What was the iconoclasm?
The movement to destroy all icons because they were thought to be idolatrous. Most early icons were destroyed. :(
What happened to Constantinople (and the Hagia Sophia) during the 4th Crusade?
The sack of Constantinople by the Crusaders resulted in widespread looting, pillaging, and destruction throughout the city. Priceless treasures, including religious relics, artworks, and manuscripts, were stolen or destroyed. The city’s inhabitants, both Christian and non-Christian, suffered greatly during the siege and its aftermath. Hagia Sophia was not spared from the devastation. The Crusaders desecrated the cathedral, looted its treasures, and vandalized its sacred symbols.
ISLAM
1.8 Billion Muslims worldwide!
Muhammad
Founder of Islam
Born in Mecca
Raised by grandfather
At the age of 40, Muhammad said he received his first revelation from God through the Archangel Gabriel while meditating in the cave of Hira near Mecca.
These revelations continued for 23 years and were later compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
Muhammad preached monotheism, social justice, and moral conduct, challenging the polytheistic practices and social injustices of Meccan society.
Quran
Believed to literally be the word of god. It is meant to be read and SPOKEN in Arabic (they believe that translations do not hold the same power). Believed to bring god’s power.
Muhammad did not write the Quran! It was recorded by his followers.
The organization of the Quran (with the exception of the first sura) is from the longest sura (shapter) to the shortest
Hafiz – One who can recite the entire Quran (it is about the same length as the New Testament) FROM MEMORY!
Kaaba
“cube”
Already a site of pilgrimage in Mecca when Muhammad is born
Sacred place to the Muslims because they believe that it is the site where Adam first worshipped (prayed to) God and where Abraham and Ishmael built the first house of worship.
It is believed to contain a stone from God brought by the Angel Gabriel (the last one)
Five Pillars
Mandatory for all Muslims:
1. Declaration of Faith
2. Prayer Five Times Daily
3. Almsgiving To The Poor (2.5%)
4. Fasting During Ramadan
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage To Mecca)
Islam
“Submission” or “Surrender”
1. Intensely Monotheistic
2. Muhammad is considered the last prophet (“seal of the prophets”). It is through him that God’s word was delivered
3. The Quran is literally the word of god
Muslim
Believe that Islam is the continuation of the Jewish and Christian traditions. They believe the Torah, Psalms, and the New Testament gospels were divinely inspired but were corrupted through translations. They see Jesus as a great prophet, but they do not recognize him as the Son of God.
Mosque
“Masjid”: Place of prayer and worship
Mihrab
Half-Domed-Looking Niche on a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca
Minaret
Towers on a mosque from where the muezzin issues the call to prayer
Dome
Most mosques have at least one dome. Domes symbolize heaven in Islam
Mecca
The holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad
Medina
The second holiest city in Islam. Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina where he started the first Muslim community
Sunni
The largest branch of Islam (85-90%) believe that Abu Bakr was the rightful successor of Muhammad and that caliphs should be chosen by consensus of the community
Shia
Shia Muslims constitute a significant minority within the global Muslim population. The central theological difference between Sunni and Shia Islam revolves around the issue of LEADERSHIP & SUCCESSION after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have remained within the family of the Prophet Muhammad, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law
Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca
Night Journey
Muhammad is taken from Mecca to Jerusalem by the Angel Gabriel in the night, then through the seven heavens, encountering various prophets and celestial beings along the way, culminating in a direct encounter with Allah.
Calligraphy
Highly esteemed art form that has flourished within Islamic culture for centuries. It involves the skilled and artistic rendering of Arabic script, primarily for the purpose of transcribing verses from the Quran or conveying religious, cultural, and aesthetic messages.
Sharia
Islam’s legal and spiritual system. It is accepted by almost all that there is a divine law, but it is up to interpretation. (Muslims started out believing that religion and state should be together)
Most of the sharia comes from “Hadith” (recorded traditions about what Muhammad had said and done), not the Quran
SHARIA IS PROBABLY THE MOST CONTROVERSAL / CONFUSING ASPECT OF ISLAM
Dome of the Rock
Muslim SHINE (not a Mosque)
- Believed to be the place where Muhammad last stepped before he ascended to heaven after his night journey.
Great Mosque of Cordova
Huge Mosque in Spain
Converted by Christians into a Catholic Cathedral
Contains Hypostyle Hall inside (rhythm and pattern)
Alhambra
City within a city (complex of buildings) located in Grenada, Spain
Majority was built by Muslims but added onto by the Christians
Contains Palace of the Lions (fountain held up by 12 lions) with intricate stucco patterns)
What was the political/religious/social structure of society in Arabia when Muhammad began to preach? Why did he encounter so much opposition?
What does Islam mean? Who was the founder of Islam?
What relationship does Islam have to Judaism and Christianity?
All Abrahamic religions, all monotheistic, share many beliefs about prophets and common scriptures, but Muslims believe that the Quran completes all other scripture and is the end of revelations. They feel that Islam is the correct “restored” religion.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
- Shahada: “PROFESSION OF FAITH”
- There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his messenger.
(To convert Islam, all that needs to be done is to recite this phrase in the presence of 2 witnesses) - Salat: PRAYER
- Should be said at least 5 times a day in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca
- Friday prayers are often accompanied by a sermon and said in a mosque
- Prayers are a combination of both the verbal and physical and are preceded by ritual washing - Zakat: GIVING OF ALMS
- Muslims are expected to give to the poor and for support of the mosque. This is usually determined to be 2.5% - Al-sawm: FASTING
- Muslims fast during the entire month of Ramadan (the month when Muhammad first began receiving the Quran)
- Fasting begins at dawn and ends at dusk (March 10-April 9, 2024)
- Many Muslims read/recite the entire Quran during Ramadan - Hajj: PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
- This should be done by every Muslim who is physically and financially able.
What common beliefs/practices do Islam and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints share? What are some differences?
Commonalities:
- Monotheism
- Divine Revelation
- Morality & Ethics
- Family Values
- Community & Worship
Differences:
- Jesus Christ is believed only to be a prophet (not a messenger like Muhammad)
- Revelation ended with Muhammad
- Salvation
- Clothing for women
- THE ATONEMENT
What is the holiest city on earth to Muslims? Why?
Mecca. Birthplace of Muhammad and location of the Kaaba. Mentioned in the Quran too
What is the significance of the Kaaba?
Considered to be the house of Allah. Symbolizes oneness of God and unity of the Muslim community
What is the significance of the Quran? How does the Islamic emphasis on calligraphy relate to the Quran? In what language is the Quran meant to be recited?
Quran is believed to be the final revelation and literally the word of Allah. Calligraphy seen in various buildings and art forms are usually passages of the Quran. This must be recited in Arabic.
What common characteristics do we find in Islamic art? Why are there no depictions of Allah or Muhammad in Islamic art?
Pointed or horseshoe arches
Domed buildings
Elaborate tile and mosaic work
Patterned rugs
Calligraphy as decoration
* No depictions of deity or humans
(out of respect and to avoid idolatry)
What is the significance of the Dome of the Rock? Where is it located? What was it built to commemorate? Why is the location of the Dome of the Rock a source of contention?
This is believed to be the location where Muhammad last touched earth before he ascended to heaven on his “night journey”. It is located ON THE TEMPLE MOUNT IN JERUSALEM, which is believed by many Christians and Jews to be the SAME location where Abraham was about to sacrifice his son Isaac.
- Many Jews do not enter the Temple Mount because they are not exactly sure where the Holy of Holies was in Solomon’s temple
- ONE OF THE MOST DISPUTED PIECES OF LAND ON EARTH
What was the Al Aqsa mosque meant to commemorate?
Muhamad’s night journey
What was the Alhambra?
magnificent palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain
What influences did Islam and the Islamic empire have on Europe in the Middle Ages?
The early Islamic Empire controls most of Spain and Portugal for over 700 years.
Much of Greek and Roman learning and scholarship was preserved by the Muslims and they made huge advances in mathematics, astronomy, geography, and medicine
According to Islam, what happened to Muhammad during his Night Journey?
Muhammad was brought to the Temple Mount and he led past prophets in prayer (including Abraham, Moses and Jesus) as he traveled through the heavens
What is the function of a mosque? What common features would you find in most mosques?
The primary place of worship and community gathering for Muslims
Mihrab (niche)
Minaret (tower)
Dome (heaven)
Minbar (pulpit)
What is Sharia? Why is this such an important topic today?
Islam’s legal and spiritual system. There are 5 versions of the Sharia (4 sunni and 1 shia)
This causes a LOT of problems (ex: Mandatory wearing of the headscarfs–people interpret this very differently in Quran)
