Scavenger Hunt Questions
Mobile International Festival
Scavenger Hunt Questions
Africa
Egypt
1. Who built the Great Pyramid? Pharaoh Khufu
2. What other famous landmark is near the Great Pyramid? The
Sphinx a statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and
a human head.
3. Where is the Great Pyramid located? In the modern city of
Giza.
4. Why did ancient Egyptians build the pyramids? Pyramids were
built as tombs for Egyptian pharaohs and their queens.
5. How were the pyramids built? Archaeologists believe that the
Egyptians designed huge ramps, and used wooden sleds to haul
massive stone blocks up the sides of the pyramids.
Ethiopia
1. What is the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia? The Temple
of Yeha, built around 700 BC by the biblical empire of Sheba.
2. What is a monolithic church? It is a church carved from a
single, large piece of stone.
3. When were the monolithic churches in Lalibela built? Probably
in the 12th century AD, just prior to conquest by the Ethiopian
Empire.
4. What is the Bete Medhane Alem church? It is the largest
monolithic church in the world.
5. Who was responsible for the renaissance of Ethiopian
architecture that still influences the style modern buildings?
Emperor Fasilides of the Ethiopian Empire in the 17th century AD.
He built such iconic structures as the Fasil Ghebbi castle and the
Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion.
Gambia
1. How old are the Wassu Stone Circles? Their precise age is not
known, but estimates range between the third century BC and the
sixteenth century AD. The identity of the builders is also
unknown.
2. Why are the Wassu Stone Circles UNESCO World Heritage cites?
They present an important architectural feat because the builders
had complex knowledge of the stones properties.
3. Which two major African empires dominated the area of modern
Gambia prior to European invasion? The Mali Empire and the Songhai
Empire
4. Which architect designed Arch 22, located in the Gambian
capital of Banjul? Pierre Goudiaby, who designed other modern feats
including Banjul International Airport and the African Renaissance
Monument.
5. What event does Arch 22 commemorate? Arch 22 commemorates the
bloodless coup d'etat in 1994 which brought President Yahya Jammeh
to power.
Ghana
1. What language do the Krobo people speak? Klogbi, a variant of
Dangme or Adangbi
2. What is the most common occupation of the Krobo people?
Farming
3. Name two things that beads were once used for in Ghana. Money
and a display of social status.
4. What are Krobo beads made of? Recycled glass
5. What is the Ghanian dollar called? The Cedi
Kenya
1. Which culture makes Kenya unique? Swahili culture
2. Where can you find beautiful Arabic carved wooden doors in
Kenya? In the historic cities of Lamu and Mombasa
3. What is a kanga? A kanga is a traditional garment worn by men
and women in Kenya for centuries. It is made from cotton fabric,
patterned with a border around the outside and a colorful design in
the center.
4. Which UNESCO World Heritage site in Kenya was built by the
Portuguese? Fort Jesus
5. What is one of the final examples of Muslim architecture to
be built before British colonization? The Lamu Fort
Mali
1. What building is the most significant example of historic
West African architecture? The Great Mosque of Djenne
2. How was this building constructed? The Great Mosque of Djenne
was built with sun-baked clay, covered with plaster, and supported
by palm tree wood. Wooden struts, called toron, stick out two feet
from the walls and help support the scaffolding for annual
restoration.
3. Which emperor of the Mali Empire was responsible for
constructing this building? Mansa Musa
4. Which city in Mali is home to the historic University of
Sankore? Timbuktu
5. This city was also the capital for which major African
empire? The Songhai Empire
Nigeria
1. Where is Nigeria located? West Coast of Africa
2. Can you describe the clothing/fashion of Nigeria? It is
similar to the United States, but Nigeria also has traditional
clothing and designs that are colorful, expensive, and unique.
3. What are some of the natural resources of Nigeria? Oil,
natural gas, coal, tin (petroleum and raw minerals). Nigeria is the
5th largest supplier of oil to the U.S.
4. How big is Nigeria? 930,000 mi2; about the size of ____,
California, and Oklahoma combined; 6 times the size of Georgia;
twice the size of California
5. What city in Nigeria is the most outstanding example of
contemporary Nigerian urban planning and architecture? Abuja, the
capital
Senegal
1. Name one of the most famous buildings in Senegal. A. La
Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) museum
B. IFAN Museum of African Art
C. The Presidential Place
2. What is the name of the most famous cathedral in Senegal A.
Cathedrale du Souvenir Africain de Dakar
3. Name a church that is a tourist attraction in Senegal. A.
Senegal Touba Mausoleum
B. Keur Moussa Abbey Church Fresco
C. Mosque of Diourbel (Mosque of the Divinity)
4. What statue in Dakar Senegal is as tall as the Statue of
Liberty in New
York City? A. Le Monument de la Renaissance Africaine
5. What hotel is famous for its unique structure in Senegal? A.
Hotel Sokhamon
Togo
1. What is the official name of Togo, and which countries border
it? The Togolese Republic is located in West Africa bordered by
Ghana to the west, Benin in the east, and Burkina Faso to the
north.
2. Who were the first people to settle Togo? The Voltaic peoples
and the Kwa were the earliest known inhabitants, followed by the
Ewe in the 14th century who remain one of the most prominent
current tribes.
3. Name some of the most common forms of art in traditional Togo
culture. Statuettes, sculptures, hunting trophies, wood
carvings.
4. What is the name of the traditional clay and straw dwellings
built by ancestors of the Togo people? Taberma houses
5. What does Togo mean in the Ewe language? The house of the sea
or shore.
Europe
Austria
1. Name three Austrian cities where the old city center is
designated as a World Cultural Heritage site. Vienna, Salzburg,
Graz
2. List some of the ways STEM (science, technology, engineering,
and math) and art combine in an urban setting. Buildings, street
layout, gardens and parks, statues and monuments, bridges,
churches
3. What are some STEM occupations that help to develop and
expand cities? Urban planners, architects, engineers, contractors,
craftsmen
4. What giant structure was built in Vienna in 1897? Riesenrad
Ferris Wheel
5. What is the capital of Austria? Vienna
Czech Republic
1. Name two or more artistic elements of Gothic architecture
used in St. Vitas Cathedral in Prague. Vaulted ceilings, pointed
arches, grand height, flying buttresses
2. What does the word ossuary mean? It is the final resting
place for human skeletal remains that is treated with special
reverence.
3. Many examples of ossuaries exist throughout Europe. Can you
describe at least one artistic element used in the architecture of
the Sedlec Chapel? Chandelier made of bones, garland made of
skulls, monstrances made of skeletons that flank the altar, coat of
arms made of human bones
4. What Gothic bridge has an avenue of mostly baroque statues
and statuaries? Charles Bridge
5. Describe an artistic element of Baroque style. Oval forms,
opulent use of ornaments, frescoes, external faade
England
1. Passport stamp question: What is the name of the famous clock
in London? Big Ben
2. What is the name of the tower that houses this clock? The
Elizabeth Tower
3. Name the London palace in which the Queen resides. Buckingham
Palace
4. Name the castle in which the TV series Downton Abbey was
filmed. Highclere Castle
5. Who were the first people to build castles in England?
Normans
France
1. France has one of the richest architectural legacies in the
world. How many UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites are in France?
104
2. Which bridge in Nmes, France was one of the greatest
architectural achievements of the Roman Empire? Pont du Gard
3. Nicknamed the City of Light, Paris has one of the highest
concentrations of architectural wonders in the world. Name one
famous Parisian structure and its architectural style. One of the
following: Notre Dame (Gothic Cathedral), The Louvre (Renaissance
Palace), Versailles (Renaissance Chateau), Arc de Triomphe
(Neoclassical), Opera Garnier (Beaux-Arts), Eiffel Tower
(Romantic), Sacr-Cur Montmartre (Romantic)
4. Which iconic structure in Mobile, Alabama was built in the
French colonial style? Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate
Conception
5. Why was the Eiffel Tower built? It was built for the 1889
Worlds Fair to display Frances pride, power, and technological
advancement to the rest of the world.
Germany
1. In what style was Neuschwanstein Castle built? Romanesque or
Neo-Gothic
2. Why is Neuschwanstein known as the castle of paradox? It was
built in a time when castles were no longer necessary as
strongholds, and it contained modern technological comforts even
though it was supposed to be in the medieval style.
3. What piece of American architecture was inspired by
Neuschwanstein? Disney Lands Sleeping Beauty Castle
4. In what time period were many of Germanys iconic structures
built? Acceptable answers: Romantic Period, Second Rococo Period,
or Late 19th Century
5. What was the position of the people who ordered these works?
Kings
Greece
1. The Greek temple is the most famous example of classical
architecture. For what purpose were Greek temples built? To worship
Greek gods and goddesses
2. Which Greek temple sits on the Acropolis, which overlooks
Athens? The Parthenon
3. What type of classical Greek building allowed for plays to be
performed? Theater or Amphitheater
4. What are the three Orders of Greek architecture? Ionic,
Doric, Corinthian
5. Name three forms of classical art that teach us the most
about the ancient Greeks. Mosaics, pottery, sculpture
Hungary/Romania
1. Where is the region of Maramures located? Northwest Romania,
near Ukraine
2. What are the main cities of Maramures? Baia Mare, Sighetu
Marmatiei
3. Have the people of Maramures preserved their rural culture
and traditional Dacian craftsmanship, or have centuries of change
and conflict in Eastern Europe caused them to modernize and build
large cities? They are still rural and traditional, with small
towns
4. What forms of architecture make Maramures inhabitants
distinct? Unique wooden churches and carved wooden gates
Ireland
1. What is the capital of Ireland? Dublin
2. What do the colors of the Irish flag mean? Green: Irish
Catholics. Orange: Irish Protestants. White: hope for peace between
the two religions.
3. What structure in Ireland is older than the Egyptian
pyramids? Newgrange built in the monolithic era between 3500 and
2500 BC.
4. What famous ship was built in Ireland? The Titanic was built
in Belfast.
5. Which is older, Dublin Castle or the Bunratty Castle? Dublin
Castle is the oldest, built in 1220. Bunratty Castle was built in
1425.
Poland
1. What is the oldest Polish cathedral and when was it built?
Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, 10th Century
2. What is the most common material used in Polish Gothic
architecture, making Poland unique from other countries? Brick
3. Which religion has contributed the most to the history of
Polish architecture? Roman Catholic Church
4. What is the modern capital of Polish art and architecture?
Katowice
5. What is a modern Polish structure that is used for the fine
arts? The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra building in
Katowice
Russia
1. What is the name of the island in Lake Onega that is home to
the 18th century wooden Transfiguration church that was build
without hammer and nails? Kizhi
2. What is the official name of the St. Basils Cathedral that is
located on the Red Square in Moscow? The Cathedral of the
Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat
3. Why is the Moscow State University building considered one of
the Seven Sisters? The Seven Sisters is the nickname for seven
Stalin-era skyscrapers that dominated Moscows landscape until the
modern International Business Center was built. Other sisters
include three residential buildings, two hotels, and the Foreign
Affairs Ministry.
4. Most people have heard of the Bolshoi ballet which is among
the oldest and most
renowned ballet companies in the world, residing in the Bolshoi
Theater in Moscow.
What does Bolshoi mean? Big: Bolshoi Theater means Big Theater
and is a traditional name for Imperial Theater for opera and
ballet, while the drama theater was called Maly Theater, that is
Smaller or Lesser than Grand Opera Theater. The Bolshoi Theater
opened in 1825 and has been a Moscow landmark ever since. Its
iconic neoclassical faade is featured on the Russian 100-ruble
banknote. The Bolshoi Ballet Company also deserves its name being
the largest in the world it has more than 200 dancers.
5. How many people can the Saucer hotel accommodate? Also known
as the Futuro house, it is located in a popular Russian ski resort
and displays Russian space architectural style. 3
Scotland
1. How old is the earliest surviving house in Scotland? 950
years old
2. When were the first castles built in Scotland? In the 12th
century with the introduction of feudalism.
3. What was the first major structure in Great Britain to be
built with steel, and when was it built? The Forth Bridge, a
cantilever railway bridge over the Firth of Forth, which opened in
1890.
4. What is the earliest example of art in Scotland? Highly
decorated carved stone balls from the Neolithic period.
5. What is the Scottish Diaspora Project? A project consisting
of artwork (needlework) honoring and featuring the wide expanse of
Scottish heritage around the world, by Scottish people who
immigrated from Scotland and their descendants.
Slovakia
1. Passport stamp question: What material was used to build the
earliest churches in Slovakia? Wood
2. When was St. Elizabeths Cathedral in Kosice first built?
Circa AD 1230
3. Like many cathedrals in Western Europe, St. Elizabeths
Cathedral in Kosice (which is in Eastern Europe) was built in which
architectural style? Gothic
4. What is the difference between a hrad castle and a zamuk
castle? Hrad castles were built for protection and defense while
zamuk castles were built for luxury living.
5. List three words to describe the aparment buildings which
were constructed during the Communist occupation of Czechoslovakia
(from 1948 to 1989 the Czech Republic and Slovakia were one
country). Any words like "concrete, plain, straight, not fancy,
solid, gray, boring, ugly...etc" to describe the Soviet Era
building style.
Spain
1. Unlike other Western European countries, Spanish art and
architecture was influenced greatly by which culture? Moorish or
Islamic
2. What is one reason the Seville Cathedral is significant? Any
of the following: Largest cathedral in the world, third largest
church in the world, burial site of Christopher Columbus, UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
3. What is the difference between a cathedral and a basilica?
Cathedrals are essentially basilicas that house an Archbishop. They
are architecturally identical.
4. Spain influenced the colonial architecture of which large
world region? Latin America
5. Which building is one of the most important examples of
modern architecture in the world? Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao,
Spain
Switzerland
1. How long ago were the first structures built in Switzerland?
Wooden stilt houses were first built 4,000 years ago.
2. Which Roman Catholic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage
site and houses the richest medieval library collection in the
world? The Abbey of Saint Gall
3. What is a faade? A faade is the entry of a building which is
decorated more than any other part, because it is the side that
most people see. It is designed to inspire awe and wonder, and is
most commonly used in the front of churches and government
buildings.
4. How many different styles of architecture are represented
throughout Switzerland? 9 (Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance,
Baroque, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Modern, and Post Modern)
5. What is one feature unique to the Baroque style? Any of the
following: highly detailed/ornate faades, using lots of curves and
3-dimensional space, came after the Renaissance and before modern
architecture.
Ukraine
1. What is the most prominent architectural element of Ukrainian
churches? Domes
2. What does a single dome (cupola) over the center of a church
represent? Christ
3. Who is the head of the Ukrainian Catholic church? Pope
Francis
4. Christianity in Ukraine dates back to what year? 988
5. What is a Ukrainian Easter egg called? Pysanka
North America & Caribbean
Canada
1. Who were the first people to live in what is now Canada? Any
of the following: Native Americans, Indians, Aboriginals, etc.
2. Which two European powers had the biggest cultural impact on
Canada? France and Great Britain
3. What features are unique to Canadian style buildings? These
are large, multistoried buildings with very steep triangular roofs,
modeled after the French chateau style.
4. How tall is the CN Tower? 1,815 feet (553 meters)
5. Name one unique fact about the CN Tower. Any of the
following: It was the tallest building in the world when it was
completed in 1976; it is still the 3rd tallest tower in the world;
it is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western
hemisphere; it is one of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World; it
has the second highest observation deck in the world; its
observation deck has a glass floor for visitors to look straight
down to the ground; and others.
Jamaica
1. When did the first European explorer arrive in Jamaica? Who
was he? Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica on his second
expedition on May 13, 1494. He was an Italian explorer working for
the Spanish Crown.
2. When was slavery abolished in Jamaica, and what caused it to
happen? Slavery throughout the British Empire was abolished August
1, 1834 largely due to reports on the terrible conditions of slaves
in Jamaica after the 1831 Baptist War.
3. What natural resources are found in Jamaica? Bauxite
(aluminum), gypsum, limestone.
4. What major exports from Jamaica help its economy? Raw
minerals, sugar, bananas, coffee
5. How was the island of Jamaica created? Jamaica and the other
Antilles islands evolved from an arc of ancient volcanoes that rose
from the sea millions of years ago. While the volcanoes were
underwater, thick layers of limestone sediment were laid down over
igneous and metamorphic rock.
Mexico
1. When was Teotihuacn inhabited, and what happened to it? It
was most likely inhabited before 500 AD, and it was only occupied
for a few hundred years before being mysteriously abandoned.
Scholars now think the population left after drought and civil
unrest.
2. Why is Chichen Itza important to Mexican heritage? It was a
major Mayan city before the arrival of the Europeans, and it
teaches us a lot about the history of the area because it is so
well preserved.
3. What was Tenochtitlan? Tenochtitlan was the capital city of
the Aztecs, located in the same place as modern Mexico City. It was
an island in Lake Texoco containing many bridges and waterways.
When Mexico City was built over it, much of the water was removed,
leaving only a few canals left for us to imagine what the city was
like.
4. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest
cathedral in the Americas. What style was it built in, and how long
did it take to complete? Gothic style, 150 years.
5. What is culturally significant about Mexico? Mexico has more
UNESCO World Heritage sites than any country in the Americas.
Puerto Rico
1. Who built Castillo San Felipe Del Morro? Spanish colonists
Juan de Tejada and Juan Batista
2. Where was El Morro built? San Juan, Puerto Rico
3. When did construction on El Morro begin, and how long did it
survive? 1539, until destruction by US bombardment in 1898
4. Why was it built? To guard the entrance of San Juan Bay from
seaborne attack
5. How tall and wide is El Morro? It has six stories that rise
above sea level to 145 feet, and the grounds cover 70 acres.
6. Why is El Morro important? It provided a model after which
all other 17th and 18th century Spanish colonial forts were built,
and it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
United States of America
1. In what state is Mount Rushmore located? South Dakota
2. How many stars and stripes are on the U.S. flag and what do
they symbolize? Thirteen red and white stripes represent the
original 13 colonies, and 50 stars represent the states.
3. What country gave the Statue of Liberty to the U.S. as a
gift? France
4. How many national parks are in the U.S.? 58
5. What animal is the national emblem of the United States? The
Bald Eagle
Central America
Costa Rica
1. What is a basilica? It is a type of Christian church that has
its origins in ancient Roman government buildings.
2. Who is the most significant figure in traditional Latin
American culture? The Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of the
Angels in Costa Rica, Our Lady Guadalupe in Mexicomany countries
have unique names for her.
3. Where is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels? It is in the
historic city of Cartago, which was originally founded in 1563.
4. What is the best preserved historic building in San Jose, the
capital of Costa Rica? National Theater of Costa Rica
5. What are the basic features of Spanish colonial city centers?
They can be found all throughout Latin America. A central plaza
surrounded by a cathedral and government and commercial
buildings.
El Salvador
1. What is the oldest architecture of El Salvador? Mayan
architecture
2. Which is the principal architecture of the churches and
public buildings of El Salvador? Colonial
3. Who built the colonial Churches of El Salvador? The Spaniards
built them using Mayan laborers
4. What is the oldest colonial church in El Salvador? The Church
of the Pilar in the city of San Vicente.
5. When was this church built and in what style was it built? It
was founded in 1762 and it is considered baroque.
Guatemala
1. What is the national bird of Guatemala that shares a name
with its currency? The Quetzal
2. What is the name of Guatemalas beautiful volcanic lake? Lake
Atitlan
3. Guatemala is the home of what major native civilization?
Maya
4. Which native ruins were featured in the original Star Wars
films? Tikal
5. Guatemala is known as the land of _________________________.
Eternal Spring
Honduras
1. What is the capital of Honduras? Tegucigalpa
2. When was the Basilica of the Virgin of Suyapa built? 1954
3. What object is the Basilica dedicated towards? The statuette
of Honduras patron saint, Our Lady of Suyapa
4. Who is the Virgin of Suyapa? She is the same person as the
Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. She is named Suyapa in
Honduras because her statuette was found in Suyapa, a suburb of
Tegucigalpa.
5. In what architectural style was the Basilica of the Virgin of
Suyapa designed? Spanish colonial revival style.
Panama
1. What is the nickname of the BBA F&F Tower? El Tornillo
(The Screw)
2. Why does it have this nickname? It looks like a screw, it is
spiral-shaped.
3. How tall is this skyscraper? How many floors does it have?
236.4 meters, 57 floors
4. What materials were used to build it? Glass and
steel-reinforced concrete.
5. Who designed the unique shape of the skyscraper? Pinzn
Lozano
South America
Brazil
1. Brazil owes its cultural heritage to which three groups of
people? Natives, Africans, Portuguese
2. What is the name of the Brazilian architect who helped
develop modern architecture all over the world? Oscar Niemeyer
3. What is unique about Brasilia, the capital of Brazil? It is a
planned city, meaning that it was all built at the same time for
the purpose of being the new capital.
4. Describe the characteristics of prominent buildings in
Brasilia. Alternating straight lines and curves, smooth surfaces,
white color, non-symmetrical, futuristic.
5. Why was Brasilia designed like this? Oscar Niemeyer wanted
the capital to look futuristic to display to the world Brazils
status as a modern, developed country.
Chile
1. From where does Chile draw its architectural heritage? Chiles
main monuments reflect their geographical areas in which they were
built. They also depend on the time period in which they were
designed, including the Pre-Colombian era (before 1492) and the
colonial neoclassic period of the 19th and 20th centuries.
2. Which Chilean monuments have been declared World Heritage
sites? Isla de Pascua, Easter Island, Port of Valparaso, various
Chilean cathedrals
3. What are some of the most important buildings in Santiago,
the capital of Chile? Church of Santo Domingo and Palace la
Moneda
4. What materials were used to build these works? Stone and
adobe (mud and straw) in the dry north, and tile and wood in the
rainy south
5. What is the state of Chilean architecture today? Modern
technology permits the construction of creatively designed
buildings which is necessary to overcome the challenges to
construction presented by seismic activity.
Colombia
1. What is considered the jewel of modern architecture in
Colombia? The Cathedral of Zipaquira which is the most notable
achievement of Colombian architecture.
2. What is the Cathedral of Zipaquira and where is it located?
It is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels
of a salt mine 220 yards underground in a halite mountain near the
town of Zipaquira in Colombia.
3. How many visitors does the cathedral receive each Sunday?
3,000 visitors.
4. What movie was filmed in the salt mine of Zipaquira? The
movie 33, which is about the 33 miners in Chile who were involved
in the Chilean mining accident in 2010.
5. How was the geological formation of this salt mine created?
Salt deposits in Zipaquira were formed around 250 million years
ago, and rose above sea level during the late Tertiary period when
the Andes were formed.
Ecuador
1. Which two major historical empires ruled Ecuador before its
independence? The Inca and Spanish empires.
2. What is unique (and dangerous) about Quito, the capital of
Ecuador? It is the only national capital in the world that sits at
the base of an active volcano.
3. What is significant about the Church and Convent of St.
Francis in Quito? It is the largest architectural ensemble among
the historical structures of colonial Latin America.
4. In which Ecuadorian city do we see the most Spanish colonial
art and architecture? Cuenca, the capital of the Azuay
Province.
5. Why is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception an example
of the importance of architectural planning? In the planning stage,
the architect overestimated the strength of the buildings
foundation. The towers had to be shortened (truncated) to prevent
the building from collapsing, so the towers are shorter than
originally planned.
Peru
1. Where is the site of Machu Picchu? It is located in the Andes
Mountains in Peru between the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna
Picchu at 2430m/8040ft above sea level.
2. Who built Machu Picchu? The Inca ruler Pachacutec in the
mid-fifteenth century
3. Who discovered Machu Picchu? Hiram Bingham in 1911
4. How did the Inca build Machu Picchu? They used a dry stone
technique, with no mortar holding the bricks together. The bricks
were heavy granite stones that were perfectly carved to fit
together like a puzzle.
5. Why is Machu Picchu special? It is one of the New Seven
Wonders of the World and an impressive architectural feat. It is
well preserved with beautiful scenery and holds an air of mystery,
making it one of the top tourist destinations of the world.
Asia & Oceania
Australia
1. What is the capital of Australia? Canberra
2. In what year did the iconic Sydney Opera House open? 1973
3. Who is the Prime Minister of Australia today? Malcolm
Turnbull
4. Two thirds of the country consist of desert landscape
referred to as what? The Outback
5. What do the stars in the Australian flag symbolize? The
Southern Cross or Crux constellation.
China
1. What animal is considered a National Treasure in China?
Panda
2. What is the longest man-made structure in the world? The
Great Wall
3. What country invented paper? China
4. Until recently, the worlds tallest building was in Shanghai.
How tall is it, and how many floors does it have? The Shanghai
Tower is 2,073 feet (632 meters) tall and has 127 stories above
ground and 5 underground for a total of 132.
5. Passport stamp question: What is considered the highest form
of visual art in China? Visual art (painting and calligraphy)
India
1. What type of ancient, dome-shaped structure was built in
India to commemorate Buddhism? The stupa.
2. During what period were most classical Buddhist temples
built? 200-1200 AD
3. What characteristics did most temples have during this
period? The Indian temple was often a square-chambered sanctuary
topped by a superstructure, tower, or spire, and enclosed within a
rectangular court.
4. What is the Taj Mahal? It is a mausoleum, or tomb, built by
Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan for his deceased wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
5. The Red Fort is a sister structure of the Taj Mahal because
it was built nearby, around the same time, and is an equally
important architectural achievement. Which ruling empire in India
built these beautiful buildings? The Mughal Empire
Indonesia
1. On what island is the Borobudur temple located? Java
2. In what city is Borobudur located? Magelang
3. Borobudur was built to honor which religion? Buddhism
4. How many statues is Borobudur decorated with? 504
5. In what century was Borobudur built? 8th Century
Iran
1. Most examples of historic architecture in Iran were inspired
by religion. What are the two prominent historical religions of
Iran? Zoroastrianism and Islam.
2. Which empire left behind architectural ruins in the ancient
cities of Persepolis, Susa, and Ecbatana? The Persian Empire
3. Which modern city is considered a cultural hub of fine art in
Iran? Shiraz
4. Which work of modern architecture marks the western entrance
to the capital of Tehran, and includes 8,000 blocks of marble? The
Azadi Tower
5. Why is the Milad Tower significant? It is the 6th tallest
telecommunications tower in the world and serves as the center of
international business in Iran.
Iraq
1. What type of religious structure was common in ancient
Mesopotamia? The ziggurat
2. What material was used to make these structures? Sun-baked
clay
3. Which Babylonian structure was one of the original Seven
Wonders of the World, and has been reconstructed in Berlin,
Germany? The Ishtar Gate
4. Since the rise of Islamic nations and empires after the
ancient period, what has become the most common type of religious
structure? The mosque
5. Iraq has been ruled by over a dozen different empires and
governments throughout its history. How do you think this has
affected architecture in Iraq? Potential answers: 1) there are many
different forms of architecture across Iraq, or 2) many historic
buildings have been lost due to war, vandalism, or decay.
Israel
1. What does the term IDF stand for? Israel Defense Forces
2. Who was the first Israeli to receive a Nobel Prize? Shai
Agnon
3. What is the name of the place with the lowest land elevation
on Earth? The Dead Sea
4. Name three things that were invented in Israel. Cherry
tomatoes, disk-on-key (USB flash drive), ReWalk (device that helps
people walk)
5. Which Hollywood actress was born in Israel? Natalie
Portman
Japan
1. What is the name of the worlds oldest surviving wooden
structure? Horyuji Temple
2. In what city is this structure located? Nara
3. When was this structure built? 7th century AD
4. Which religion is this building devoted to? Buddhism
5. Which international organization named this as a World
Cultural Heritage site? UNESCO
Korea
1. Pagodas were originally built as religious temples, but the
style later became used for many different purposes. What are some
other types of buildings built in the pagoda style? Any of the
following: government buildings and palaces, fortresses,
gatehouses, monuments, decorative sculpture, and even
fountains.
2. What is one of the earliest surviving examples of Korean
Buddhist pagodas? The Mireuksa Temple
3. In recent history, pagodas have been built primarily from
wood. What material were most early pagodas constructed with?
Stone
4. Why is the Bulguksa Temple registered as a UNESCO World
Heritage site and a Korean national treasure? It is considered a
masterpiece of medieval Korean Buddhist art.
5. What is the Dongdaemun pagoda? It is one of the largest of
eight great gatehouses built around the capital of Seoul during the
middle ages. Now it is a central landmark of the city.
Lebanon
Passport stamp question: What is the capital city of Lebanon?
Beirut
1. What Lebanese city contains some of the most well preserved
Roman ruins? Baalbeck
2. What Lebanese religious statue overlooks the city of Beirut?
Our Lady of Lebanon
3. In what Lebanese city did our current alphabet originate?
Byblos
4. What palace in Lebanon is considered the jewel of Lebanese
architecture? Beiteddine
5. What ancient port city in Lebanon has an island sea castle?
Sidon
Nepal
1. How long have people inhabited Nepal? The earliest discovered
inscriptions are dated to over 2,000 years ago.
2. Nepal is a small country located in between which two large
countries? China and India
3. Architecture in Nepal is mainly a unique combination of
styles from which two major religions? Buddhism and Hinduism
4. What is the oldest temple in Nepal, and how old is it? The
Changu Narayan Temple, and construction began in the 5th century
AD.
5. Which historic city in Nepal has a reputation for unique
architecture, pottery, and sculpture? Bhaktapur
New Zealand
1. What is a kiwi? Not a fruit, but a flightless bird native to
New Zealand. Also a slang term for a New Zealander.
2. Who is Sir Edmund Hillary and what is he known for? A New
Zealander who was the first man to reach the peak of Mount Everest,
and is pictured on the New Zealand $5 bill.
3. What is the capital of New Zealand? Wellington, and it is the
southernmost national capital in the world.
4. What is the name of the war dance performed by the Maori
tribe? Haka
5. What is the name of a native bird of New Zealand that was
recorded as one of the largest birds in history, standing up to
3.6m (12 feet) tall and weighing 300kg (660 lbs)? The Moa
Philippines
1. All architecture is based on shapes. How do you say the
following terms in the Filipino language?
Circle:
Bilog
Square:Parisukat
Triangle:Tatsulok
Rectangle:Parihaba
2. Basic measurement and engineering starts with numbers in any
architectural design. How do you count one to ten in the Filipino
language?
1 Isa
2 Dalawa3 Tatlo4 Apat5 Lima
6 Anim7 Pito8 Walo9 Siyam10 Sampu
3. What do you call the nipa hut or the farm house in the
Philipines? Bahay-Kubo
4. Name one main historical influence in the Philippine
architecture. One of the following: Pre-colonial influences of the
neighboring Malay, the Spanish colonial period, the American
Commonwealth period, and the modern times we live in today.
5. What is the oldest and greatest pre-colonial manmade natural
wonder in the Philippines? The Banaue Rice Terraces
Tahiti
1. Tahiti is located in what body of water? Pacific Ocean
2. What is the capital of Tahiti? Pape ete
3. What is the national sport of Tahiti? Vaa in English,
outrigger canoe, a paddle sport
4. What Tahiti festival is celebrated every July? The Heiv
festival in Papeete that celebrates Polynesian culture, and the
commemoration of the storming of the Bastille in Paris.
5. What country has complete civil and political authority over
Tahiti? France
Taiwan
1. What is the name of the island that is home to Taiwan?
Formosa
2. Which religious traditions inspired Taiwans traditional
architecture? Chinese Buddhism and Confucianism
3. What is Taipei 101? It was the worlds tallest skyscraper for
five years after it was completed in 2004. It is located in the
center of Taiwans capital, Taipei.
4. How tall is Taipei 101? 1,671 feet
5. What are the major architectural achievements of Taipei 101?
It is the worlds tallest green building, has a superfast elevator
which can travel over 80 floors in under a minute, and is built to
withstand typhoons and earthquakes.
Thailand
1. What type of house is traditionally built in Thailand? The
stilt-house, in order to avoid flooding during monsoons (much like
beach houses on the Gulf Coast).
2. What is the most influential religion in Thai art and
architecture? Buddhism
3. What is a Wat? Wat is the name for Thai Buddhist temples
which are unique from other Buddhist temples throughout Asia. Wat
comes from the ancient local word vata meaning enclosure.
4. Who were the first people to build Wats? The Khmer Empire
between about 800AD and 1300AD.
5. What is special about the Marble Temple? Technically called
Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple was built much later than the
historic wats. It was constructed with Italian marble (the same
material used to build ancient Roman monuments), and is a major
tourist attraction in Bangkok, capital of Thailand.
Vietnam
1. What do vernacular Vietnamese buildings look like? They have
a massive wooden framework, rather than the lightweight stilt
method used elsewhere. Nearly all vernacular buildings were
single-story, with heavy flat-tiled roofs to withstand
typhoons.
2. Where is the One-Pillar Pagoda located? This is one of the
most ancient structures of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
3. One structure that became common to most towns and villages
in Vietnam is still prevalent to day. What is this architecture
called? Communal house
4. What types of houses did Vietnamese people once live in (as
depicted in the bronze Dong Son drums) that can still be found in
Vietnam today? The Vietnamese people have used stilt-houses since
prehistoric times.
5. Under periods of Chinese domination, much of the written work
was in Classical Chinese. What script, created around the 10th
century, allowed Vietnamese writers to combine Chinese characters
with their native language, and briefly became the official written
script? Nm