Minoan Civilization
What island was home to the Minoan civilization?
Crete
What is a kouros?
An Archaic statue of a young male
Name one Greek architectural order.
Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian
What is verism in Roman sculpture?
Extremely realistic detail showing wrinkles, age, and flaws
What was the purpose of Roman aqueducts?
To carry water to cities
Name one major feature of Minoan palaces such as Knossos.
Complex layouts, frescoed walls, advanced plumbing, storerooms, courtyards
How does the Kritios Boy mark a shift from the Archaic to Classical period?
Shows natural weight shift and realism instead of stiff symmetry
How can you identify the Doric order?
Plain capital, no base, sturdy proportions
Why did Augustus use idealized portraiture?
To appear godlike, powerful, and worthy of ruling (propaganda)
Why is the Pont du Gard impressive from an engineering standpoint?
Built without mortar; huge stones linked with iron clamps
What do Minoan frescoes often depict, and what does this tell us about their culture?
Nature, marine life, bull-leaping → shows a sea-focused, active society
What is contrapposto, and why is it important?
Weight on one leg; creates lifelike, dynamic posture
Which order features scroll-shaped capitals?
Ionic
Trajan’s Column celebrates the conquest of what territory?
Dacia (modern Romania)
What ancient Roman building featured a massive dome and oculus?
The Pantheon
Why is Linear A important to historians studying the Minoans?
It is undeciphered, limiting understanding of their records
Name one characteristic of Hellenistic sculpture.
Emotional expression, dramatic movement, intense realism
What features make the Corinthian order distinctively different from the others?
Elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves
How did Roman portraiture change from the Republic to the Empire?
Shifted from realistic verism to idealized images of emperors
How did Roman temples differ from Greek temples in layout?
Romans built a single main entrance with a staircase in front
What two major disasters contributed to the fall of the Minoan civilization?
Civil conflict and the volcanic eruption of Thera/Santorini
What message or emotion does the Dying Trumpeter or Laocoön and His Sons try to convey?
Dying Trumpeter → pain, dignity
Laocoön → struggle, fear, chaos
How did Greek architectural styles influence later civilizations like the Romans or modern America?
Romans copied Greek designs; U.S. government buildings use Greek columns and temple fronts
Give one example of how Roman emperors used art as political propaganda.
Idealized statues, victory monuments, triumphal arches, propaganda on coins
Why has the Maison Carrée survived so well?
Strong construction, excellent preservation, Corinthian design, reuse over time