UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

FACULTY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

B. SC. (HONS.) IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT STUDIES
YEAR II
MAY/JUNE 2015 EXAMINATION SESSION
Unit Code: AUD2212

Unit Title: The Architecture of the Ancient

World

Date: Monday 1st June 2015

Reading Time: 10:00 10:05

Examination Time: 10:05 12:05
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SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS:
ANSWER ANY TWO (2) QUESTIONS, ILLUSTRATING YOUR ANSWERS WITH SKETCHES.

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1. The architecture of ancient Egypt was conditioned by geographical realities, constructional limitations,
climatic conditions and social and religious attitudes. Discuss this statement with reference to the Old,
Middle and New Kingdoms in the political history of ancient Egypt.
(50 marks)
2. Whereas the architecture of ancient Crete was an architecture of peace, that of the Mycenaeans was an
architecture of violence and death. Discuss this statement with particular reference to the palace at
Knossos and the citadel at Mycenae.
(50 marks)
3. Compare and contrast attitudes towards either [a] town planning or [b] the architecture of temple
buildings in ancient Greece and Rome.
(50 marks)
4. Roman vaulted architecture is said to have represented a homogeneous architectural group that can be
separated from the immense mixed body of Roman architecture in general, used for large scale interiors
of the type still witnessed in the Pantheon or the Baths of Caracalla. Discuss this statement, outlining the
principal characteristics of Roman vaulted construction.
(50 marks)
5. Compile illustrated notes on ONE (1) of the following subjects:
a. The architecture of Megalithic Europe
b. The temples of the Egyptian New Kingdom
c. The Parthenon in Athens
d. The Forum Romanum in Rome
(50 marks)

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