Architecture | Historical Figures | Symbolism | Churches | Artifacts |
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100What 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.
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100What is the Battle of Hastings?
The major battle between King Harold and William the Conqueror depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry.
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100What is an archangel, or a human figure?
The symbol of Saint Matthew, one of the four Evangelists depicted in early Christian art.
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100What 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.
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100What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
A 230' ft long work of embroidery depicting the Norman conflict and William the Conqueror's defeat of King Harold.
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200What is France?
This country of origin of Gothic architecture.
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200What is the Staffordshire Hoard?
The expansive 2009 collection of Anglo-Saxon metalwork found by a man with a metal detector in central England.
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200What are the Islamic pillars?
The five acts or principles guiding Muslim life, similar to the Ten Commandments.
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200What is "caliph"?
A title bestowed to successors of Muhammad.
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200What is a reliquary?
A vessel or object containing the bones or remains of a key religious figure.
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300What is a trumeau?
The central pillar supporting the tympanum at the entrance to a church.
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300What is the Romanesque period?
The Crusades took place during this period, which was also characterized by spiritual pilgrimages.
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300What is a westwork?
A west-facing entrance of a church, causing visitors to travel toward the holy spirit and salvation represented by the east.
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300What is a scriptorium?
The room in which monks wrote and illustrated illuminated manuscripts.
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300What is iconoclasm?
The destruction of a religious image as a symbol of heresy.
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400What is arabesque?
A prominent design in Islamic architecture characterized by flowing, intertwining lines, similar to interlace.
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400What 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.
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400What is a rose window?
A round window made of stained glass, stone mullions, and tracery, often used to symbolize unity.
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400What is a central plan?
The plan used in most Churches of the Eastern Byzantine empire in the Middle Ages.
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400What is syncretism?
The act of using imagery from other cultures or religions together in new or ambiguous contexts.
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500What is a groin vault?
A type of vault used in the naves of Gothic cathedrals utilized in high structures due to their light weight.
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500What 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.
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500What 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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500What 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.
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500What is the Sutton Hoo Purse Cover
An example of early Anglo-Saxon metalwork, found in the Queen's Ship.
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