1. How has architecture progressed across civilizations

Please find my response to the first question below.

Regards,

Chris

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Ever since ancient times, the progress of architecture across civilizations has been observed and recorded. Ancient world architecture, including architecture of pre-Columbian Americas and the Orient, can be broadly classified into two categories: indigenous architecture and classical architecture. Indigenous architecture refers to the independent development of construction methods in provincial and isolated cultural conditions. Classical architecture on the other hand refers to development of construction methods in Rome and Greece, which literally laid the foundations of Western architecture. Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of civilization, is now part of Iraq. Khorsabad, an Assyrian city was built of brick and clay. Early architecture of the Persians was influenced to a great extent by the Greeks. The great royal compound of Persepolis and numerous rock-cut tombs are examples of Persian architecture. Egyptian urban culture developed early. The cultural system of Egypt conferred enormous power on its rulers, and the abundance of sandstone, limestone, and granite in the region, made it possible for Egyptians to erect the Pyramids, the most magnificent ancient world monuments. The royal burials of Egyptians were of the form mastaba, which is an archetypal mass of masonry in the form of a rectangle. Mastabas gradually evolved into step pyramids and eventually into completely refined pyramids. Eqyptian temples also demonstrate the use of post-and-lintel stone construction, which incorporates closely spaced massive columns with deep lintels. Early stone architecture in India was carved elaborately and showed great visual symbol richness. The emphasis of Indian architecture was more on sculpture than on building and enclosing huge volumes. As different cultures all across the world progressed in time, their styles, and technologies developed to meet the demands of lifestyles and wars, represent the core elements of their cultural and religious heritages, and leave behind their own unforgettable distinct signature.

Reference:

http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761578082_2/Architecture.html

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