Byzantine architecture

2017 0423 Ravenna (132)

Byzantine architecture is a style of building that developed in the Byzantine Empire, which was the eastern part of the Roman Empire, from the 4th century onwards. It is marked by its highly decorative and symbolic religious structures, such as churches and basilicas, which were designed to represent the heavenly kingdom on earth. The architecture is noted for its use of domes, rounded arches, and intricate mosaics, which were often made with gold, giving the interiors a transcendent glow.

Characteristics

Byzantine architecture is characterized by its central-plan structures, most notably the Greek cross plan, which was often used in church designs. This plan involves a square center with arms of equal length, often under a central dome, creating a balanced and symmetrical appearance. The most famous example of this is the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century under the Emperor Justinian I. The Hagia Sophia's massive dome, supported by pendentives, is a hallmark of Byzantine architectural innovation. Pendentives are triangular sections of a sphere that transition the square base of the building to the circular base of the dome, allowing for a more spacious and illuminated interior.

Another key feature of Byzantine architecture is its extensive use of mosaics, which covered the interiors of churches with biblical scenes and figures, set against backgrounds of gold tiles. These mosaics were intended to educate the congregation and inspire reverence through their beauty and the stories they told.

Development

Byzantine architecture evolved from the earlier Roman architecture, incorporating and adapting its use of arches, domes, and columns. However, Byzantine architects and builders developed these elements further, creating more complex and ambitious structures. The transition from a flat wooden roof to a domed ceiling allowed for larger and more open interior spaces, which were filled with light from windows placed around the base of the dome.

The influence of Byzantine architecture spread beyond the borders of the Byzantine Empire, influencing the development of Islamic architecture, particularly in the use of domes and decorative mosaics. In the West, the revival of interest in Byzantine styles during the Renaissance led to the incorporation of Byzantine elements into the architecture of the period.

Legacy

The legacy of Byzantine architecture is evident in the many churches, basilicas, and other structures that still stand today, not only in modern-day Turkey but also in Greece, Italy, the Balkans, and Russia. These buildings continue to inspire awe and admiration for their beauty, their innovative engineering, and their spiritual significance.

Byzantine architecture has also had a lasting impact on the development of Christian church architecture, influencing the designs of Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and some Protestant churches around the world.

See Also

• Hagia Sophia
• Justinian I
• Greek cross
• Roman architecture
• Islamic architecture
• Renaissance architecture