How were the Islamic architectural forms …

Islamic architecture 

(a) Religious buildings were the greatest symbols of the Islamic architecture. 

(b) Their buildings included Mosques, shrines and tombs were used for purposes like worshipping and imparting religious instructions. 

(c) Their buildings comprised of unique features like arches, domes, small minarets and open courtyards. 

(d) Their buildings had beautiful carvings, geometrical designs and were decorated with mosaics and paintings. 

(e) The mosque had a distinct architectural form - roof supported by pillars and had an open courtyard - sahn where a fountain or pond was placed. 

(f) In the mosque, there was a separate hall where sermons were delivered during the noon prayers on Friday. 

(g) The Umayyads built ‘desert palaces’ in oases, such as Khirbat al-Mafjar in Palestine and Qusayr Amra in Jordan, which served as luxurious residences and retreats for hunting and pleasure. 

Roman architecture 

(a) The Roman emperors were great builders. 

(b) They introduced new architectural featuresthe arches, columns and domes. 

(c) They built many multi-storied buildings with rows of arches standing over one another. 

(d) Their buildings were beautifully decorated with murals.

(e) Their buildings can be categorized into doric style, iconic style and corinthian style.

(f) The Roman architecture reflected the practical need for military and entertainment.

(g) For e.g. Ampitheatre was constructed for military drill and for staging entertainment for soldiers.