Question 1

What feature, analogous to the contrapposto, did the Greeks add to the Mycenaean megarons when designing their temples?

Accepted Answer

The Greeks added a colonnade to the Mycenaean megarons when designing their temples, creating an external row of columns around the perimeter of the building that would allow for greater support and stability. The contrapposto is a feature commonly associated with Greek sculpture, not architecture. An apse is a curved or semicircular recess often found in Christian churches, not Greek temples. A nave is the central area of a church, not a feature found in Greek temple design. A sea portico is not a known architectural feature in either Mycenaean or Greek temple design.

Question 2

The sculptures of Lysippos differed from those of the Classical period in all of the following ways EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Lysippos' sculptures are known for their more naturalistic and lifelike approach, with livelier stances and increased surface movement. They are also characterized by thinner bodies and smaller heads. However, his sculptures are not known for a more stylistic approach, as they were still based on the idealized human form.

Question 3

The best-preserved Greek theater, which reveals the Greeks' understanding of acoustics, is located where?

Accepted Answer

The best-preserved Greek theater that reveals the Greeks' understanding of acoustics is located in Epidauros, Greece.

Question 4

The overall lintel of the post-and-lintel system of an architectural order is known as

Accepted Answer

The overall lintel of the post-and-lintel system of an architectural order is known as an entablature. It is the horizontal structure supported by columns and consists of three parts: the architrave (bottom layer), the frieze (middle layer), and the cornice (top layer).

Question 5

The "nike" in Winged Nike and the temple of Athena Nike is the Greek word for what?

Accepted Answer

The Winged Nike and the temple of Athena Nike both symbolize the goddess of victory. The Greek word for victory is "nike."

Question 6

The statue of Athena in the Parthenon was made of chryselephantine, a combination of

Accepted Answer

Chryselephantine is a combination of gold and ivory, so the statue of Athena in the Parthenon was made of these materials.

Question 7

The Corinthian column is most easily distinguished by which feature?

Accepted Answer

The acanthus-leaf design of its capital is the most easily distinguished feature of the Corinthian column. This capital design features leaves and stems that branch out from the column and curve upwards, creating a decorative element that sets it apart from other column styles.

Question 8

The Parthenon's four Doric metopes all depict scenes of

Accepted Answer

The four Doric metopes of the Parthenon depict scenes from the Gigantomachy (the mythical battle between the gods and the giants) and the Amazonomachy (the mythical battle between the Greeks and the Amazons). These battles can be interpreted as symbolic representations of the struggle between order and disorder, which was a central theme in Greek mythology and philosophy.

Question 9

Classical Greek sculptures like those of Polykleitos generally demonstrate all of the following qualities EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Classical Greek sculptures, including those of Polykleitos, generally aimed to achieve proportional and symmetrical bodies, a sense of organic animation, and idealized, youthful bodies. However, they often lacked pronounced personality and expression, instead emphasizing the idealized form over individualized features. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as pronounced personality and expression are not typically demonstrated in Classical Greek sculptures.

Question 10

What did ancient Greeks call the region we call Greece?

Accepted Answer

The ancient Greeks called the region we now know as Greece "Hellas." This is still a common name for Greece in modern times.

Question 11

Hellenistic sculpture differs from Classical Greek sculpture in all of the following ways EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Hellenistic sculpture actually has greater iconographic diversity than Classical Greek sculpture, featuring a wider range of subject matter and sources of inspiration.

Question 12

Which of the following structures is NOT a part of the Acropolis?

Accepted Answer

The Altar of Zeus is not a part of the Acropolis. The other options listed, Erechtheum, Parthenon, and temple of Athena Nike, are all structures located within the Acropolis.

Question 13

Whose (initially scandalous) Aphrodite of Knidos, which is posed with a curving stance named after its creator, brought the female nude into the canon of beauty in Greek art?

Accepted Answer

The scandalous Aphrodite of Knidos was created by Praxiteles and posed with a curving stance that became known as the "Praxitelean curve." This sculpture is famous for bringing the female nude into the canon of beauty in Greek art.

Question 14

Like most ancient temples, the interiors of Greek temples primarily served what function?

Accepted Answer

Greek temples were primarily built to house statues of their respective deities, and therefore, the interiors served the function of housing the gods. Sacrifices, offerings, and prayers were carried out in front of the temple, rather than inside.

Question 15

The columns of the Erechtheum are sculpted in the shape of women and are known as

Accepted Answer

The columns of the Erechtheum are sculpted in the shape of women and are known as caryatids.

Question 16

A row of columns such as those that surround the Parthenon are known as a colonnade or a

Accepted Answer

A row of columns such as those that surround the Parthenon is known as a peristyle. A colonnade refers to a series of columns that support a structure, but it does not necessarily surround it. The pronaos is a porch or vestibule before the main entrance of a Greek temple, and the naos is the main interior space of the temple. The opisthodomos is a rear porch or chamber in ancient Greek temples.

Question 17

Compared to other columns, the those of the Corinthian Order were considered more

Accepted Answer

The Corinthian Order is known for its highly decorative, ornate columns that feature acanthus leaves and floral motifs. These elements have been described as more "feminine" in nature, and the columns themselves are often seen as graceful and elegant. While they can be used on the exterior of structures, they are also frequently seen in interior settings where their intricate details can be appreciated up close.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the cult statue of Athena in the Parthenon is true?

Accepted Answer

The cult statue of Athena in the Parthenon stood above a reflective pool of water, which was used to enhance its visual impact and to humidify the air, thereby protecting the ivory components of the statue from cracking.

Question 19

Who was chiefly responsible for overseeing the sculptural decorations of the Parthenon?

Accepted Answer

Phidias was a famous sculptor in ancient Greece who was assigned by Perikles to oversee the sculptural decorations of the Parthenon.

Question 20

The inner sanctuary of the Parthenon where the statue of Athena is located in known as the

Accepted Answer

The inner sanctuary of the Parthenon where the statue of Athena is located is known as the naos.

Quiz 7: The Art of Ancient Greece