National Archives Building

Discussion Questions

1. What is the origin of the Mausoleum building form, and why is it appropriate for the National Archives Building?

2. What is the origin of the word “patriarch”? Who were patriarchs in ancient Rome? What was their origin, and social and political status? How did this change during the republic and into the imperial period? Who are some American patriarchs?

3. When, where, and how were papyrus and parchment used for writing?

4. What was the importance of Pegasus in ancient mythology? Why would Pegasus symbolize aspiration and immortality?

5. What was the importance of the fasces in ancient Rome, and how was this symbol used in modern times?

6. Why are figures dressed like Roman scholars and soldiers appropriate for the northern entrance of the National Archives?