Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey — 537 AD) — Questions and answers

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How high did the vast dome of the Hagia Sophia reach?

Choices

  1. 107 feet high
  2. 182 feet high ✓
  3. 537 feet high
  4. 200 feet high

Answer: 182 feet high

From page 1

What did Isidore discover in Heron of Alexandria's writings that he thought was the key to supporting the dome?

Choices

  1. A new type of strong cement
  2. The mechanics of arches ✓
  3. How to make things float
  4. A design for flying machines

Answer: The mechanics of arches

From page 2

Why did Emperor Justinian want to build the Hagia Sophia after the Nika riots?

Choices

  1. He wanted to build a new palace for himself.
  2. He wanted it to be a beacon of faith and glory to God. ✓
  3. He needed a place to store his treasures.
  4. He wanted to make it the biggest marketplace.

Answer: He wanted it to be a beacon of faith and glory to God.

From page 3

What was one big challenge the builders faced during the construction of the Hagia Sophia?

Choices

  1. There was too much sunlight.
  2. Earthquakes threatened to collapse the building. ✓
  3. They ran out of water to drink.
  4. The workers did not get along.

Answer: Earthquakes threatened to collapse the building.

From page 4

What happened to the Hagia Sophia's original dome in 558 AD?

Choices

  1. It was painted a new color.
  2. It partially collapsed due to an earthquake. ✓
  3. It was made taller on purpose.
  4. It was removed to make way for a garden.

Answer: It partially collapsed due to an earthquake.

From page 5

Who converted the Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 1453?

Choices

  1. Emperor Justinian I
  2. Sultan Mehmed II ✓
  3. Thomas Whittemore
  4. Isidore the Younger

Answer: Sultan Mehmed II

From page 6

What was the Hagia Sophia used as in the 20th century?

Choices

  1. A school for architects
  2. A shopping mall
  3. A museum ✓
  4. A sports arena

Answer: A museum

From page 7

What happened to the Hagia Sophia in 2020?

Choices

  1. It was painted blue and gold.
  2. It was moved to a different city.
  3. It was controversially reconverted into a mosque. ✓
  4. It became a giant library.

Answer: It was controversially reconverted into a mosque.

From page 8

What does the Hagia Sophia remain a symbol of, even after all its changes?

Choices

  1. A new kind of building material
  2. Resilience and human ingenuity ✓
  3. The biggest dome ever built
  4. Ancient forgotten languages

Answer: Resilience and human ingenuity

From page 9

According to the page, what kind of tales does the Hagia Sophia whisper?

Choices

  1. Tales of emperors, architects, sultans, and artists ✓
  2. Tales of magical creatures and faraway lands
  3. Tales of everyday chores and simple lives
  4. Tales of robots and space travel

Answer: Tales of emperors, architects, sultans, and artists

From page 10