Court of the Lions

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/court-of-the-lions

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the location?Alhambra, Granada, Spain
2. What is the commissioned by?Sultan Muhammad V of the Emirate of Granada
3. Why are there lions in the fountain?The lions may symbolize zodiac signs, months, or simply guard the fountain. Their exact meaning is still debated by scholars. They add a powerful and protective feel to the courtyard.
4. How does the water system cool the palace?Water starts at the central fountain and flows through hidden channels to smaller fountains in the four halls. This moving water cools the air by evaporation and helps circulate cool air around the palace. It shows advanced engineering from the time.

Nasrid Dynasty: The final ruling Muslim dynasty in the Emirate of Granada, known for its architectural and artistic contributions.
Al-Andalus: The historical period and region of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula, characterized by significant cultural and scientific advancements.
Muqarnas: A complex, three-dimensional decorative element in Islamic architecture, often resembling stalactites or honeycomb, used in vaults and domes.
Hydraulic System: A system designed to manage and channel water, used here for aesthetic, cooling, and symbolic purposes.