AP Art History : Understanding terminology that describes architecture of the Americas
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History
All AP Art History Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Architecture Of The Americas
Which of the following was a significant building method in Incan architecture?
Complex glasswork
Heavy timber
Mortar-less masonry
Mixed cement
Mortar-less masonry
The architecture of the Inca Empire reflected their mountain locale, which stretched across modern day Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Large stones were frequently used for significant buildings, such as the massive complex of Macchu Picchu. The most remarkable aspect of Inca masonry was its intricate stonecutting, which allowed their masonry to be put together without the use of mortar or any binding substance.
Example Question #2 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Architecture Of The Americas
Incan architecture employed which of the following building techniques?
Lacunari
Ashlar masonry
Post-and-lintel construction
Corbelling
Ashlar masonry
Ashlar masonry is the term given to the finely beveled rocks fitted closely next to one another by Incan builders. Corbelling was used by Hindu architects to lend cavelike appearances to temples. Post-and-lintel construction was used in the building of Neolithic structures, including Stonehenge. Lacunari refers to the coffers used by Roman builders to lessen the weight of heavy ceilings.
Example Question #3 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Architecture Of The Americas
The Templo Mayor located within the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan conveyed to its people both a religious and a __________ message.
loving
political
cosmic
fearful
None of the other answers is correct.
political
Aztec temples were not just centers for religious worship, but also displays of political propaganda. The Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, for example, was a reminder to the people of Tenochtitlan that a great amount of wealth and power was required to erect it, and that such power should be respected.
Example Question #4 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Architecture Of The Americas
Incan architecture employed which of the following building techniques?
Post-and-lintel construction
Ashlar masonry
Lacunari
Corbelling
Ashlar masonry
Ashlar masonry is the term given to the finely beveled rocks fitted closely next to one another by Incan builders. Corbelling was used by Hindu architects to lend cavelike appearances to temples. Post-and-lintel construction was used in the building of Neolithic structures, including Stonehenge. Lacunari refers to the coffers used by Roman builders to lessen the weight of heavy ceilings.
Example Question #1 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Architecture Of The Americas
Which feature of Monte Albán, pictured above, is meant to represent the victims of human sacrifice of the Zapotec civilization?
The Zapotec civilization did not participate in human sacrifice.
Relief sculpture carved into the stone walls of the Main Plaza.
Sacrificial altars used to store the hearts of the victims.
Distorted stone monuments of naked men called "Danzantes."
None of these
Distorted stone monuments of naked men called "Danzantes."
The Zapotec civilization used stone monuments depicting naked men with distorted posture and often mutilated genitals, called "Danzantes," or "Dancers," to represent their victims of human sacrifice. These stone monuments can be seen throughout the plazas of Monte Albán. Over 300 of these monuments have been found.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_of_Monte_Alban_from_the_South_Platform.jpg
Photograph by Matt Saunder
All AP Art History Resources
