What was architecture like in the Byzantine Empire?
What was architecture like in the Byzantine Empire?
Byzantine architects were eclectic, at first drawing heavily on Roman temple features. Their combination of the basilica and symmetrical central-plan (circular or polygonal) religious structures resulted in the characteristic Byzantine Greek-cross-plan church, with a square central mass and four arms of equal length.
What is Byzantine architecture famous for?
Byzantine Architecture Characteristics The most common unifying element in Byzantine Architecture is the use of mosaics. Mosaics illustrated religious scenes and important historical figures. Byzantine Mosaics decorated the walls and ceilings of many different churches from this time period.
How did Byzantine architecture start?
A Brief History of Byzantine Architecture Beginning of the Byzantine era: When the Roman Emperor Constantine moved the Roman Empire’s capital to Byzantium in 330 AD, the Byzantine era officially began. From that point on, the Eastern Roman Empire became known as the Byzantine Empire.
What is the most famous Byzantine architecture?
the Hagia Sophia
The most famous example of Byzantine architecture is by far the Hagia Sophia. This building embodies the intricate detailing and drama of the architectural style. Aside from its importance as a stunning building, the Hagia Sophia has held cultural significance in Istanbul for its 1,500 year-long life.
What is the materials used in Byzantine architecture?
Byzantium employed stone (including marble), brick (of mud or clay), mortar (of varying qualities), and timber as its main building materials the use of which was determined by availability and local tradition, along with structural, economic, and aesthetic considerations.
When did Byzantine architecture start and end?
Byzantine art and architecture is usually divided into three historical periods: the Early Byzantine from c. 330-730, the Middle Byzantine from c. 843-1204, and Late Byzantine from c. 1261-1453.
Who made Byzantine architecture?
Byzantine architecture is a style of building that flourished under the rule of Roman Emperor Justinian between A.D. 527 and 565. In addition to extensive use of interior mosaics, its defining characteristic is a heightened dome, the result of the latest sixth-century engineering techniques.
Why Byzantine architecture is the architecture of domes?
In Byzantine architecture, a supporting structure of four arches with pendentives between them allowed the spaces below domes to be opened up. Pendentives allowed for weight loads to be concentrated at just four points on a more practical square plan, rather than a circle.
How long did the Byzantine architecture last?
Byzantine architecture dominated the eastern half of the Roman Empire during the reign of Justinian the Great, but the influences spanned centuries, from 330 until the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and on into today’s church architecture.
