Ancient Buildings Of The Athenian Agora
How well do you know the buildings and features of the ancient Athenian Agora? This is intended as a revision quiz for History of Architecture, with reference to 'The Athenian Agora - Excavations in the Heart of Classical Athens' by J. M. Camp
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which two of the following buildings were round in form?
- A.
Tholos
- B.
Bouleuterion
- C.
Monopteros
Correct Answer(s)
A. Tholos
C. MonopterosExplanation
The Tholos was a large unadorned building about 18m in diameter with six interior columns to support the roof - which may have had an oculus in the centre to provide light and air. It was the headquarters for the 50 senators of the Boule and also served as their dining chamber for hundreds of years after its emergence in the early Classical Period.
The Monopteros was a small circular feature in front of the Basilica and the Stoa of Attalos, built in the 2nd century AD and possibly functioned as a temple or fountain.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The ________ is the main street which passes diagonally through the Agora. It enters the city at the ____ gate and leads to the ____ and is over 1 km long.
Correct Answer(s)
Panathenaic Way
Dipylon
AcropolisExplanation
The Panathenaic Way is the main street which passes diagonally through the Agora. It enters the city at the Dipylon gate and leads to the Acropolis.Rate this question:
- 3.
The ______ was the official name for the Senate House. It housed the archives of the city. When the Senate moved to a new building constructed next door the building became known as the _______.Note: please only type one answer from the two blanks. The quiz will not give you any points for answering two in a row
Correct Answer(s)
Bouleuterion
Old Bouleuterion
MetroonExplanation
Towards the end of the Archaic Period several new government buildings were built. The Bouleuterion was the official name for the Senate House. It housed the archives of the city. When the Senate moved to a new building constructed next door the building became known as the Metroon.Rate this question:
- 4.
This building has diamond shaped roof tiles resembling the scales of a fish. Within its walls a group of senators were on duty twenty four hours of the day.
- A.
Stoa
- B.
Bouleuterion
- C.
Tholos
Correct Answer
C. TholosExplanation
The correct answer is Tholos. A Tholos is a circular building with a conical or dome-shaped roof. The description of the building having diamond-shaped roof tiles resembling fish scales does not match the characteristics of a Stoa or Bouleuterion. Additionally, the mention of a group of senators being on duty twenty-four hours a day suggests that the building was a meeting place or council chamber, which aligns with the function of a Tholos.Rate this question:
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- 5.
_____ is the unusual monument associated with the Metroon and its archival collection. The ten statues represent the figures after which the then tribes were named. Every Athenian citizen from the three regions of city, coast and inland was assigned a tribe. Members were granted the rights and prilileges established by the delevloping democracy.
Correct Answer
The Eponymous Heroes
Eponymous Heroes
Monument of the Eponymous Heroes
Eponymous heroes
The Monument of the Eponymous HeroesExplanation
The monument was created during the democratic Kleisthenic reforms and represented the abolition of the old Ionic power structure which consisted of four tribes. It was situated within the boundary of the Agora and near the seat of government which reflects its political, cultural and social importance.Rate this question:
- 6.
What material were the statues of ten figures representing the ten tribes made from?
- A.
Bronze
- B.
Gold
- C.
Marble
Correct Answer
A. BronzeExplanation
The ten statues stood on a plinth over 16m long and almost 2m wide. A tripod (representing Apollo's symbol of prophecy) was placed at either end of the pedastal to represent the Delphic Oracle's role in the heroes' selection. It also functioned as a public noticeboard and messages for each tribe were hung along the base under the appropriate statue. Messages ranged from lists for military conscription, public honours and court hearings as well as legislation due to be submitted to the assembly,so that citizens could have a few days to consider matters before voting.Rate this question:
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- 7.
______ was where the 2nd in command of the Athenian Government - the king archon - held office.
Correct Answer
The Royal Stoa
Stoa Basileios
Royal Stoa
The Royal stoa
stoa BasileiosExplanation
The Royal Stoa, also known as the Stoa Basileios was probably built in the Archaic period. Two wings were added at both ends at a later date and against these the inscribed law code was displayed. Its was small for a stoa and built in the Doric order, its eight columned facade overlooking the Agora and the Panathenaic Way.Rate this question:
- 8.
Where did the army generals hold office?
- A.
The Arsenal
- B.
The Stadium
- C.
The Strategeion
Correct Answer
C. The StrategeionExplanation
The building stood near the public Agora and other public office buildings.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In the Archaic period, the Agora was defined by 'horoi' placed at either side of street entrances into the open square. The inscriptions on the stone faces read "I am the _____ of the Agora"
- A.
Boundary
- B.
Heart
- C.
Guardian
Correct Answer
A. BoundaryExplanation
The stones clearly defined the Agora and served to prevent both public and private buildings from encroaching the open space. There were also sacred 'perirrhanteria' (basins for holy water) placed at the entrances to the square, indicating the Agora's religious importance. Law-breakers, cowards, deserters and non-citizens were barred entry and had to keep outside the boundary. In other words they were denied participation in the public and social life of the city.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which two buildings formed the heart of the Athenian Democracy?
- A.
Stoa and Basilica
- B.
Bouleuterion and Tholos
- C.
Basilica and Bouleuterion
Correct Answer
B. Bouleuterion and TholosExplanation
The Basilica may have been the administration centre of the Roman officials in Athens during the later Roman Period.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which famous Stoa was one of the more decorated secular buildings in Athens and had the best location: looking right up the Panathenaic Way to the Acropolis?
- A.
Stoa of Attalos
- B.
The Royal Stoa
- C.
The Painted Stoa
Correct Answer
C. The Painted StoaExplanation
Also known as the 'Stoa Poikile' and originally 'The Peisianaktios' (after its constructor Persianax) it had Doric columns on the outside and Ionic within. Most of the building was made from limestone and could have been more than 36m long. Paintings on large removable wooden panels were hung on the inner walls and depicted military victories both mythological and historical against the Spartans, Persians, Amazons and the Greeks at Troy.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The ancient greek stoas were climatically designed in their recommended orientation and other features. Fill in the blanks:The ______ columned facade took advantage of the low winter sun for its warmthThe _______ provided a shaded space away from the summer sun or rain for the public to useThe comparatively blind face of the back wall protected the building against the cold ______ windNote: please give your answers in lowercase for this question. Only type one of the answers from the three blanks to get your score...
Correct Answer
south
north
southern
portico
colonnadeExplanation
1) The southern columned facade took advantage of the low winter sun for its warmth
2) The portico/colonnade provided a shaded space away from the summer sun or rain for the public to use
3) The comparatively blind face of the back wall protected the building against the cold north windRate this question:
- 13.
This religious building was the largest temple near the Agora and the most lavish of the Classical period, built mostly of marble with beautifully sculptured friezes and a coffered ceiling. It sits atop a hill to the west and still exists today, being one of the best preserved Greek temples from antiquity. What is the temple's name?
- A.
The Heliaia
- B.
The Temple of Ares
- C.
The Hephaisteion
Correct Answer
C. The HepHaisteionExplanation
The correct answer is The Hephaisteion. The temple is described as the largest and most lavish temple near the Agora, built mostly of marble with beautifully sculptured friezes and a coffered ceiling. It is also mentioned that the temple sits atop a hill to the west and still exists today, being one of the best-preserved Greek temples from antiquity.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of these structures below were situated within the Agora square itself at any time in Antiquity?
- A.
Temple of Ares
- B.
Roman Basilica
- C.
Altar of the 12 Gods
- D.
Cross-road Sanctuary
- E.
Nymphaion
- F.
The Eponymous Heroes
- G.
Library of Pantainos
- H.
Altar of Zeus Agoraios
- I.
The Odeion of Agrippa
Correct Answer(s)
A. Temple of Ares
C. Altar of the 12 Gods
D. Cross-road Sanctuary
F. The Eponymous Heroes
H. Altar of Zeus Agoraios
I. The Odeion of AgrippaExplanation
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.planetware.com/i/map/GR/agora-map.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.images6.com/tags/Agora&usg=__U6RQFhG2dWdc-v90_VPERQGlEiw=&h=1080&w=1200&sz=679&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=sk6jw3ZXC_dtLM:&tbnh=109&tbnw=121&ei=QdGITZHIOc-EhQeQyPG_DQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bathenian%2Bagora%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox%26biw%3D1008%26bih%3D492%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=612&vpy=53&dur=4570&hovh=213&hovw=237&tx=122&ty=131&oei=QdGITZHIOc-EhQeQyPG_DQ&page=1&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of these functions did the early Agora, or site of the current Agora have?
- A.
Burial ground
- B.
Racetrack for Panathenaic games
- C.
A monthly slave market
- D.
A performance space for drama and music contests
Correct Answer(s)
A. Burial ground
B. Racetrack for Panathenaic games
C. A monthly slave market
D. A performance space for drama and music contestsExplanation
The early Agora, or site of the current Agora, had multiple functions. It served as a burial ground, a racetrack for Panathenaic games, a monthly slave market, and a performance space for drama and music contests.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The _____ is where representatives of the people met every day
Correct Answer(s)
Bouleuterion
bouleuterion
the Bouleuterion
Old Bouleuterion
New BouleuterionExplanation
The correct answer is "Bouleuterion". A bouleuterion is a building where representatives of the people would gather on a daily basis. The other options, including "bouleuterion", "the Bouleuterion", "Old Bouleuterion", and "New Bouleuterion" are all variations or descriptions of the same building.Rate this question:
- 17.
This structure seems to have had an offical function as a commercial building during the Classical Period alongside the small private shops and workrooms surrounding the Agora and the temporary booths set up within the square. It had 16 rooms behind a double Doric colonnade. The upper storey is built from the more economical sun-dried mud brick.
- A.
South Stoa I
- B.
Southeast Stoa
- C.
Stoa of Attica
Correct Answer
A. South Stoa IExplanation
Here the officials that administrated the commercial life of the city also had offices. The records of the 'metronomi' the inspectors of weights and measures were inscribed into one of the walls in red paint.Rate this question:
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- 18.
______ is the Greek name for the law courts on the south side of the Agora
Correct Answer
Heliaia
heliaia
the Heliaia
The HeliaiaExplanation
The Greek name for the law courts on the south side of the Agora is "Heliaia" or "heliaia" or "the Heliaia" or "The Heliaia".Rate this question:
- 19.
During the Roman Period the Agora was at its greatest level of development
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
During the Roman Period, the Agora, which refers to the central public space in ancient Greek cities, reached its peak in terms of development. This means that it was at its highest level of advancement and importance during this period. The Romans were known for their architectural and urban planning skills, and they likely contributed to the growth and improvement of the Agora during their rule. Therefore, the statement "During the Roman Period the Agora was at its greatest level of development" is true.Rate this question:
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- 20.
________ was the fullest development of its building type. Its had two stories, each with a double colonnade and twenty one shops on each floor. It is constructed from marble and limestone. Due to heavy commercial useage, the bottom third of each exterior column was unfluted to prevent chipping from the constant passage of goods and consumers.
Correct Answer
The Stoa of Attalos
Stoa of Attalos
stoa of Attalos
stoa of attalosExplanation
The Stoa of Attalos is the fullest development of its building type. It is a two-story structure with a double colonnade and twenty-one shops on each floor. Constructed from marble and limestone, the bottom third of each exterior column was left unfluted to prevent chipping from the constant passage of goods and consumers.Rate this question:
- 21.
Which building constructed during the Hellenistic Period first divided the open square of the Agora into two distinct areas of unequal size?
- A.
South Stoa II
- B.
Middle Stoa
- C.
Temple of Ares
Correct Answer
B. Middle StoaExplanation
The Temple of Ares was built in the later Roman Period.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The _______ was the most imposing stucture added during the Roman Period and sat right in the centre of the old sqaure. It served as a concert hall seating about a thousand people. The exterior columns and pilasters were of the Corinthian order. At several storeys high, it dominated the other buildings of the Agora.
Correct Answer
Odeion of Agrippa
Odeion
Agrippeion
The Odeion
The Odeion of AgrippaExplanation
The Odeion of Agrippa was the most imposing structure added during the Roman Period and sat right in the center of the old square. It served as a concert hall seating about a thousand people. The exterior columns and pilasters were of the Corinthian order. At several stories high, it dominated the other buildings of the Agora.Rate this question:
- 23.
The stones marking the Agora are called _________
Correct Answer
horoi
Horoi
Horos
horos
HermsExplanation
Horos is the singular, and Horoi the plural. The stones in the NW corner marking the main entrance to the Agora were additionally known as Herms, as they had the likeness of the God Hermes carved upon them.Rate this question:
- 24.
The _______ is the principle thoroughfare of the city, also known in Athens as the Panathenaic Way.
Correct Answer
Dromos
dromos
the Dromos
The DromosExplanation
The correct answer is "Dromos, dromos, the Dromos, The Dromos." In this sentence, "Dromos" refers to the principle thoroughfare of the city. The variations in capitalization ("Dromos" and "the Dromos") suggest that the term can be used in different contexts or with different levels of formality. The repetition of "dromos" and "The Dromos" emphasizes the importance of this thoroughfare and its significance in Athens as the Panathenaic Way.Rate this question:
- 25.
What was in the very centre of the Agora?
- A.
The Fountain House
- B.
The Lithos (Oath Stone)
- C.
The Zero Milestone
Correct Answer
C. The Zero MilestoneExplanation
The Lithos stood in front of the Royal Stoa, a prominent location in itself, but not at the centre of the Agora.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The Temple of Ares is an example of a 'Wandering Temple'. Briefly explain what this means.
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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