ARTS Grade 9 (1st Quarter MAPEH) - Architectures from the Ancient Periods

Summary

This lesson delves into the architectural marvels of ancient classical and medieval art periods. It begins with prehistoric megalithic structures like menhirs, dolmens, and cromlechs, highlighting Stonehenge. It then traverses through Egyptian pyramids and mastabas, Greek temples with Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders exemplified by the Parthenon, Roman innovations like concrete and the Colosseum, Byzantine mosaics and Hagia Sophia, and concludes with Gothic architecture featuring pointed arches and the Cathedral of Chartres. The lesson is a comprehensive journey through the evolution of architectural styles.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The last module in the arts series focuses on architectural structures from ancient classical and medieval periods.
• 🗿 Prehistoric architecture featured megaliths, large stone structures like menhirs, dolmens, and cromlechs, often associated with divinity.
• 🌟 The famous Stonehenge is an example of a prehistoric megalithic monument, likely used for rituals.
• 🔺 Egyptian architecture, emerging in 4000 BC, is known for pyramids like the Pyramids of Giza, which served as funerary structures for kings.
• 🏛 Egyptian mastabas were flat-roofed, rectangular tombs made of mud bricks or stone, a precursor to the pyramid.
• 🏟 The Greek period introduced temple architecture with three distinct orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, exemplified by the Parthenon.
• 🏛 Roman architecture, peaking during Pax Romana, innovated with concrete and structures like the Colosseum for public games.
• 🕍 Byzantine era architecture perfected mosaic decoration and the use of clerestory windows, as seen in Hagia Sophia.
• 🏰 The Gothic era introduced pointed arches and ribbed vaults, allowing for taller structures, with Chartres Cathedral being a notable example.
• 📚 Students are encouraged to engage with the material through online activities or answer sheets after the discussion of these topics.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the last module in the arts series?

The primary focus of the last module in the arts series is to explore different architectural structures made during the ancient classical and medieval art periods.

What does the term 'megalith' refer to in the context of prehistoric architecture?

In the context of prehistoric architecture, 'megalith' refers to large stone blocks, derived from the Greek words 'lithos' meaning stone and 'megas' meaning big, used in the construction of various structures.

What are the three types of megalithic stones mentioned in the script?

The three types of megalithic stones mentioned are menhirs, dolmens, and cromlechs.

What is the significance of menhir stones in prehistoric architecture?

Menhir stones are upright monumental stones, standing alone or in a group, and are significant as they represent an early form of monumental art, often associated with rituals or as markers.

Describe the structure of a dolmen as mentioned in the script.

A dolmen is a structure consisting of two large upright stones supporting a horizontal stone slab on top, believed to have served as a grave or an altar.

What does the term 'cromlech' signify and what is its characteristic shape?

Cromlech is a term derived from the Breton words 'curm' meaning bent or curved and 'lech' meaning slab or flagstone, signifying a circle of standing stones, often arranged in a circular form.

Which ancient megalithic monument is shown in the script and where is it located?

The Stonehenge is the ancient megalithic monument shown in the script, located in southern England.

What is the significance of the Pyramids of Giza in Egyptian architecture?

The Pyramids of Giza are significant as they are the funerary structures of the three kings of the Fourth Dynasty and are iconic examples of ancient Egyptian monumental architecture.

What are the three architectural orders of ancient Greek temples?

The three architectural orders of ancient Greek temples are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, each characterized by distinct column and capital designs.

How does the Parthenon exemplify classical Greek architecture?

The Parthenon exemplifies classical Greek architecture through its use of the Doric order, the golden ratio, and its role as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.

What innovation in building material was significant during the Roman era?

The significant innovation in building material during the Roman era was the use of concrete, which allowed for the construction of larger and more complex structures.

What is the primary use of the Colosseum in Roman architecture?

The primary use of the Colosseum in Roman architecture was as an arena for public games, spectacles, and processions.

How did the Byzantine era contribute to the evolution of architectural design?

The Byzantine era contributed to architectural design by perfecting mosaic decoration and the use of clerestory windows to bring light into buildings.

What is the Hagia Sophia and what is its significance?

The Hagia Sophia is a famous Byzantine structure in Istanbul, Turkey, built in 537 A.D., known for its architectural innovation and as a symbol of Byzantine architectural and artistic achievement.

What are the two new architectural devices introduced during the Gothic era?

The two new architectural devices introduced during the Gothic era are the pointed arch and the ribbed vault, which enabled the construction of taller buildings with more complex structural systems.

What is the significance of the Cathedral of Chartres in Gothic architecture?

The Cathedral of Chartres is significant in Gothic architecture for its use of the pointed arch, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which are characteristic of the era and exemplify the height and grandeur of Gothic cathedrals.