20 Questions
What was the center of the Western Roman Empire?
Rome
Which city was later renamed Istanbul?
Constantinople
During which century did the Eastern Empire become strong and stable under Emperor Justinian?
Sixth century
What caused the Emperor to abandon Rome and move the center northward to Milan and Ravenna?
Breaching of the borders by barbarians
What was the only institution of the Government that did not cease by the end of the sixth century?
The Church
What characterized Byzantine architecture?
Massive domes with square bases and rounded arches
What is the Greek cross plan in church architecture?
A cross with four equal arms at right angles
What was the distinctive feature of Byzantine dome construction?
The squinch, an arch in each of the corners of a square base that transforms it into an octagon
What were the characteristics of buildings in Byzantine architecture?
Increased geometric complexity, use of brick, plaster, and stone in decoration, and the replacement of carved decoration with mosaics
How did the Greek cross plan in church architecture influence Western Europe?
It played a part in the development of church architecture in Western Europe, most notably in Bramante's plan for St. Peter's Basilica
What was the impact of the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453?
It led directly to the architecture of the Ottoman Empire
What was the significance of Byzantium in terms of its influence on architecture?
It dramatically influenced Medieval and Renaissance era architecture in Europe
What happened to sea trade and great cities during the decline of the Roman Empire?
Sea trade ceased and great cities were abandoned
What led to the replacement of the central authority of the Roman Emperor with dozens of barbarian kingdoms?
The borders were breached and barbarians spilled over the empire
Which institution continued to exist when most institutions of the Government ceased by the end of the sixth century?
The Church
What architectural feature became the prevailing motif of Byzantine architecture?
Massive domes with square bases
What was used to allow a dome to rest above a square base in Byzantine architecture?
Pendentive
What plan became the common form in the Orthodox Church, with many churches throughout Eastern Europe and Russia being built in this way?
Square plan with equal arms at right angles
What material was used in addition to stone in the decoration of important public structures in Byzantine architecture?
Brick and plaster
Which structure often stretches across the front of churches built in the Greek Cross form?
Narthex or vestibule
Test your knowledge of the historic context of the Byzantine Empire, including its influence on Medieval and Renaissance era architecture in Europe. Learn about the split of the Roman Empire into the Western and Eastern halves, centered around Rome and Constantinople respectively.
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