History of Byzantine and Medieval Architecture

Underground cemeteries, often carved into abandoned quarries, used by early Christians for burials.

Early Christian art found expression in the Catacombs of Rome.

The period after the Roman Empire, marked by the rise of Christianity and the development of distinctive styles of architecture, particularly in Europe.

A system of social hierarchy, involving relationships based on land ownership and service, prevalent during the Middle Ages.

Architectural style characterized by round arches, thick walls, and a focus on practical construction, prevalent in Europe from the 9th to 12th centuries.

Churches designed for pilgrimage, featuring intricate decorations and a focus on religious symbolism.

A period of renewed urban development in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Architectural style characterized by pointed arches, stained glass windows, and soaring heights, prominent in Europe from the 12th to 16th centuries.

A distinctive architectural feature in Byzantine churches, symbolizing the connection between the earthly realm and the heavens.

The process of dismantling Roman buildings for their stone, which was then used to produce lime for mortar in Byzantine constructions.

The period following the decline of the Roman Empire, often associated with the rise of Christianity and the development of unique architectural styles in Europe.

A system of social hierarchy prevalent during the Middle Ages, where land ownership and service determined social position.

The period following the fall of the Roman Empire, characterized by warfare, division, and the rise of feudalism.

The Church's powerful influence in the Middle Ages. It replaced Roman political authority, providing spiritual guidance, social order, and education.

The collapse of the Roman Empire led to a decline in urban centers, trade, and literacy. This shift favored rural life and the development of small, self-sufficient communities.

The Middle Ages were marked by frequent wars and instability. Invasions by groups like the Vikings and the rise of powerful kingdoms led to a constant threat of violence.

The art and architecture of the Middle Ages primarily focused on religious buildings. The Church commanded the best resources, resulting in significant cathedrals and monasteries.

The loss of literacy and education led to the decline of Roman governmental institutions and the rise of local strongmen who controlled their territories by force.

The shift from Roman urban centers to rural villages and small towns. Feudalism replaced the Roman political structure, leading to local control and a focus on agriculture.

A medieval building type for wealthy landowners, often featuring fortified elements for defense.

A medieval building type designed for defense, often featuring high walls, towers, and gates.

A medieval structure, often serving as a refuge, where men and women dedicated their lives to religious service, poverty, and obedience.

A medieval house in a fortified town, often constructed with stone for durability and defense.

A medieval building type often found in towns, featuring fortifications and locked gates for defense, enabling tax collection on entering merchants.

Romanesque architecture, characterized by round arches, thick walls, and a focus on practicality, evolved due to a need for structural strength. Because cutting openings weakens the supporting wall, builders used minimal windows, resulting in dimly lit interiors.

The High Middle Ages saw a shift in perspective, embracing a more positive outlook on life in the present moment. This contrasted sharply with the Romanesque period's intense focus on the afterlife.

The unifying force across Europe during the High Middle Ages remained the church. The focus of human action was still on religious life, making religious buildings the primary focus of advanced architectural design and technology.

The emergence of cities and the growth of commerce and trade were the driving forces behind the social transformation of Europe in the High Middle Ages. While 95% of the population remained rural, the 5% residing in cities exerted a major influence on European life and culture.

The new class of merchants and bankers, the bourgeoisie, rose to prominence in the High Middle Ages. This class rivaled the nobles and clergy in influence, reflecting the shift towards an urban mercantile culture.

As medieval lords invested less in military power, they developed an interest in the arts and literature, elevating the position of women in society.

Gothic architecture is primarily an urban style, with cathedrals built in cities, funded by wealthy urban patrons and influenced by urban bishops.

Gothic architects made use of specific elements like pointed arches, rib vaulting, and flying buttresses to create a lighter and more visually transparent architecture.

Gothic architects sought to replace heavy stone walls with stained glass windows, filtering and transforming sunlight to symbolize divine illumination.

Unlike solid Romanesque walls, Gothic structures are skeletal systems, transferring weight efficiently to allow for large windows, yielding a bright interior.

Gothic churches emphasize verticality through articulated but unified spaces, with a sense of openness provided by their construction system.

Pointed arches, a defining feature of Gothic architecture, allowed for taller naves and vaulted ceilings, contributing to the sense of height and lightness.

Rib vaulting is a system of intersecting arches that supports the ceiling, allowing for larger spaces and intricate patterns, especially in ceilings.

Flying buttresses are external arched supports that transfer weight from the walls to the ground, allowing for larger windows and thinner walls.