Oculus
Opening at the center of a dome
Damning of the Memory
Physical representation of punishment of a person as a statement of political power
Triumphal Arch
Built to commemorate a victory
Historical Relief
Stone depiction of an event carved into a wall
Fresco
painting done on wet plaster; dries and becomes permanent
Nave
the central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation
Apse
a large semicircular or polygonal recess in a church, arched or with a domed roof, typically at the eastern end, and usually containing the altar
Tesserae
small pieces of cut glass used to make mosaics
Vellum
paper made out of tanned animal hides
Relic
part of a saint or something holy (body part, possession, cross)
Reliquary
contains a relic
Intercession
go-between between the Heavenly realm and the Earthly realm
aka. using a relic
Romanesque
an architectural style of medieval Europe characterized by semi-circular arches
Gothic
a style of architecture that is characterized by pointed arches, stained glass, and tall height
Byzantine
Eastern half of the Roman empire after the split
Flying Buttress
arch connects to the church and a pier helps support the walls and ceiling
Tympanum
semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance, bounded by a lintel and arch
Fourth Lateran Council
called by Pope Innocent III to recreate image of Church as well as develop new architecture
Trumeau
post in between two entrances where sculptures are located
Maqsura
enclosure for the ruler where he can pray safely
Mosque
Muslim place of worship
Mihrab
decorative niche in the wall of a mosque that helps Muslims know which way to pray
Minbar
staircase where someone climbs to call the prayer
Circumbulation
structure that allows worshipers to walk in a circular manner
Qur'an
Muslim holy book
Pilgrimage
a religious journey to a holy land