Architecture Historical Figures Symbolism Churches Artifacts

100

What is a tympanum?
A feature of Christian churches similar to the Greek pediment, often used to portray Christ passing judgment on souls of the dead.

100

What is the Battle of Hastings?
The major battle between King Harold and William the Conqueror depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry.

100

What is an archangel, or a human figure?
The symbol of Saint Matthew, one of the four Evangelists depicted in early Christian art.

100

What is the Gothic architecture?
A prominent architectural style of the 1100-1200s characterized by dramatic height, elaborate decoration, and pointed arches, flying buttresses, and vaulted ceilings.

100

What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
A 230' ft long work of embroidery depicting the Norman conflict and William the Conqueror's defeat of King Harold.

200

What is France?
This country of origin of Gothic architecture.

200

What is the Staffordshire Hoard?
The expansive 2009 collection of Anglo-Saxon metalwork found by a man with a metal detector in central England.

200

What are the Islamic pillars?
The five acts or principles guiding Muslim life, similar to the Ten Commandments.

200

What is "caliph"?
A title bestowed to successors of Muhammad.

200

What is a reliquary?
A vessel or object containing the bones or remains of a key religious figure.

300

What is a trumeau?
The central pillar supporting the tympanum at the entrance to a church.

300

What is the Romanesque period?
The Crusades took place during this period, which was also characterized by spiritual pilgrimages.

300

What is a westwork?
A west-facing entrance of a church, causing visitors to travel toward the holy spirit and salvation represented by the east.

300

What is a scriptorium?
The room in which monks wrote and illustrated illuminated manuscripts.

300

What is iconoclasm?
The destruction of a religious image as a symbol of heresy.

400

What is arabesque?
A prominent design in Islamic architecture characterized by flowing, intertwining lines, similar to interlace.

400

What is vellum?
A durable writing surface made of stretched animal skin, higher in quality than parchment, that became popular due to the scarcity of papyrus in Europe.

400

What is a rose window?
A round window made of stained glass, stone mullions, and tracery, often used to symbolize unity.

400

What is a central plan?
The plan used in most Churches of the Eastern Byzantine empire in the Middle Ages.

400

What is syncretism?
The act of using imagery from other cultures or religions together in new or ambiguous contexts.

500

What is a groin vault?
A type of vault used in the naves of Gothic cathedrals utilized in high structures due to their light weight.

500

What is the insular style?
An early style of Celtic Christian artwork originating in Ireland and Great Britain that was characterized by geometric interlace and animal patterns.

500

What is the Kaaba?
The cube-shaped structure in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims must face the direction of this holy place during prayer.

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500

What is the Notre Dame Cathedral?
One of the most well-known Gothic cathedrals in France, this Parisian building was one of the first to use flying buttresses.

500

What is the Sutton Hoo Purse Cover
An example of early Anglo-Saxon metalwork, found in the Queen's Ship.


Early Christian + Islamic Art

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