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Arts & architecture

architecture

ARCHITECTURE

The art of designing and constructing buildings.

pyramid

pyramid

Construction with a square base and four triangular faces; it served as a tomb for the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, represented here by the pyramid of Cheops.

Greek theater

Greek theater

Open-air structure, often built on a hillside, where theatrical performances were staged during antiquity.

Greek temple

Greek temple

Building that, in antiquity, was dedicated to a divinity and featured a statue of that divinity.

architectural styles

architectural styles

The architectural styles, or orders, of ancient Greece are distinguished by rules of proportion that govern a building’s columns, entablature and pediment.

Roman house

Roman house

For wealthy Romans, family life unfolded in spacious luxurious houses whose rooms were arranged around open-air spaces.

Roman amphitheater

Roman amphitheater

Oval or round building composed of an arena surrounded by tiers; it was used mainly to stage gladiator fights.

castle

castle

Fortified residence of a feudal lord, designed to protect against assailants.

Vauban fortification

Vauban fortification

Star-shaped military fortification developed by the Frenchman Vauban in the 17th century.

cathedral

cathedral

The main church of a diocese, the site of the bishop’s see.

pagoda

pagoda

Place of worship for Buddhists of the Far East, usually made up of a series of stories, each with its own roof.

Aztec temple

Aztec temple

Pyramid-shaped religious edifice of pre-Columbian Mexico featuring one or several temples.

elevator

elevator

Mechanical apparatus with a car that provides automated movement of people between the levels of a building.

escalator

escalator

Installation that consists of articulated steps on a continuously turning chain; it allows movement between two levels of a building.

traditional houses [1]

traditional houses [1]

The dwellings, current or of former times, that characterize a given culture.

traditional houses [2]

traditional houses [2]

The dwellings, current or of former times, that characterize a given culture.

city houses

city houses

Dwelling types found in large urban centers.