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Subjects · Leaving Cert Classical Studies

Leaving Cert Classical Studies: Temple architecture & terms

How often Temple architecture & terms comes up on the Classical Studies papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 3 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

OL Asked on 2 of the last 3 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2024. most years

Temple architecture & terms, Higher Level(6 marks)

Quick ones on Temple architecture & terms.

(a)What alternates along a Doric frieze?
  1. Volutes and dentils
  2. Triglyphs and metopes
  3. Caryatids and columns
(b)Which order has a plain cushion capital of echinus and abacus?
  1. Corinthian
  2. Ionic
  3. Doric
(c)On which part of a temple do the columns stand?
  1. The stylobate
  2. The pediment
  3. The architrave
Show the answers

(a) Triglyphs and metopes

(b) Doric

(c) The stylobate

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Temple architecture & terms.

Higher Level

Asked on 3 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q10
2024Q3
2023Q13

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Temple architecture & terms questions

Temple architecture & terms, 2 marks

What is the crepidoma of a Greek temple?

  1. The roof tiles along the edge
  2. The porch at the back of the cella
  3. The stepped platform it stands on
Show the answer

The stepped platform it stands on

The crepidoma usually has three steps. Its top step is the stylobate, on which the columns stand.

Temple architecture & terms, 3 marks

How does a Roman temple usually differ from a Greek one?

  1. It is round in plan, with a dome instead of a roof
  2. It stands on a high podium with steps only at the front
  3. It has no columns at all, only walls of plain brick
Show the answer

It stands on a high podium with steps only at the front

Greek temples could be approached from all sides on low steps. Roman temples face forward from a tall podium with a deep porch. The Pantheon and the Temple of Vesta both use a podium.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 2 of the last 3 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2024. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Not asked
2024Q2
2023Q16

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Temple architecture & terms questions

Temple architecture & terms, 2 marks

Which column order has capitals decorated with acanthus leaves?

  1. Doric
  2. Ionic
  3. Corinthian
Show the answer

Corinthian

Corinthian is the most decorated order and a favourite of the Romans, as on the Pantheon's porch and the Temple of Vesta.

Temple architecture & terms, 2 marks

The triangular space at each end of a Greek temple's roof is the?

  1. Stylobate
  2. Pediment
  3. Metope
Show the answer

Pediment

Pediments were filled with sculpture, like the birth of Athena on the Parthenon's east end. Ornaments called akroteria often stood on the corners.

Temple architecture & terms, 2 marks

The inner room of a temple, where the cult statue stood, is the?

  1. Naos (cella)
  2. Pronaos
  3. Peristyle
Show the answer

Naos (cella)

The naos held the statue of the god. Worship and sacrifice took place outside, at an altar in front of the temple. The pronaos is the front porch.

Other Classical Studies topics

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