17 Questions
What is a notable characteristic of Byzantine empire churches?
Walls made of bricks, marble, and glass mosaics
Which architectural style influenced the design of religious buildings in Eastern Europe and the Middle East?
Romanesque architecture
What is a notable feature of the Hagia Sophia in terms of its roof?
Domes with no external covering usually placed over square/octagonal pendentives
Which architectural style is associated with the use of minarets and the fusion of Islamic and Christian elements?
Byzantine architecture
What is a key influence of Romanesque architecture on military architecture?
Influenced fortification with city walls and defensive structures
Which architectural style is characterized by the absence of mouldings in church walls?
Byzantine architecture
During which period of Byzantine architecture was the Hagia Sophia constructed under Emperor Justinian I?
Early Period (4th-7th centuries)
Which feature became common during the Middle Period (9th-11th centuries) of Byzantine architecture?
Clerestory
In which period did Byzantine architecture experience a revival blending Western European and Islamic features?
Late Period (9th-11th centuries)
Which architectural plan is characterized by a cross-shaped plan with equal length arms in Byzantine architecture?
Greek Cross Plan
Which period of Byzantine architecture focused on making centralized spaces with domes and the common use of colorful mosaics?
Middle Period (9th-11th centuries)
What is the main characteristic of the nave in a basilica?
It is the central longitudinal hall
What architectural feature forms a cross-shaped floor plan in some basilican churches?
Transept
Which architectural style is characterized by simplicity and functionalism?
Early Christian
In which century did the Byzantine era begin according to the text?
4th century
Which basilica in Rome is known for possessing Early Christian Architecture styles?
Santa Maria Maggiore
Which architectural era was influenced by Early Christian architecture according to the text?
Romanesque and Gothic architecture
Study Notes
History of the Byzantine Empire
- The Eastern Roman Empire was renamed Byzantine in 330 AD.
- The city of Byzantium was renamed Constantinople in honor of Constantine.
- The Byzantine Empire lasted until the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire in 1453.
Early Period of Byzantine Architecture (4th-7th centuries)
- Heavily influenced by Roman Architecture.
- Construction of Hagia Sophia under Emperor Justinian I showcased the use of large domes, a hallmark of Byzantine Architecture.
Middle Period (9th-11th centuries)
- Focused on creating centralized spaces with domes.
- Common and widespread use of colorful mosaics.
- Clerestory became common.
Late Period (9th-11th centuries)
- Revival period of Byzantine architecture, blending styles with Western European and Islamic features.
- Common use of cross in square plan with a centralized dome and 4 pillars.
Characteristics of Byzantine Architecture
- Walls: bricks, marble, and glass mosaics, with an absence of mouldings.
- Openings: arcades, doors, and windows were semi-circular.
- Roof: domes with no external covering, usually placed over square or octagonal pendentives (supports the dome).
- Use of large domes: spiritual symbolism, aesthetics, functional purposes, and imperial prestige.
Notable Examples
- Hagia Sophia: a former mosque, museum, and mosque again, with minarets and Islamic inscriptions, as well as lavish Christian mosaics.
- Hagia Irene: the oldest known church in the city.
Architectural Influences
- Use of large domes in centralized spaces influenced military architecture.
- Fortification with city walls and defensive structures influenced military architecture.
- Influenced the design of religious buildings from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Romanesque Architecture in Europe
- History: 10th-11th Century, divided into First Romanesque and Romanesque styles.
- Propylaeum: entrance of the building.
- Atrium: forecourt of the church.
- Narthex: entrance hall/porch.
- Nave: central longitudinal hall of the basilica, extending from the entrance to the apse.
- Aisles: flanking the nave on either side.
- Crossing: transept and nave intercept.
- Transept: transverse aisle or hall that intersects the nave at a right angle, forming a cross-shaped floor plan.
- Apse: located at the eastern end of the basilica, opposite the entrance.
Notable Examples of Romanesque Architecture
- Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore): built during 43 AD to honor Virgin Mary, one of the four major basilicas in Rome possessing Early Christian Architecture styles.
Test your knowledge on the architectural history of the Byzantine Empire and Istanbul, from the early period influenced by Roman architecture to the construction of Hagia Sophia under Emperor Justinian I. Explore the transition from Byzantium to Constantinople, and the architectural developments during the Middle Period.
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