Byzantine architecture
Byzantine architecture is the architecture of the Byzantine Empire or Eastern Roman Empire, usually dated from 330 AD, when Constantine the great established a new Roman capital in Byzantium which became Constantinople until the fall of Byzantine empire in 1453.
Byzantine architecture emerged in the 4th century AD and flourished until the 15th century. It’s characterized by:
Key Features:
1. Domes: Symbolizing heaven, domes dominated Byzantine architecture.
2. Mosaics: Vibrant, intricate mosaics adorned walls and ceilings.
3. Arches: Semi-circular or horseshoe-shaped arches supported domes and vaults.
4. Brickwork: Exposed brick or stone walls added texture and visual interest.
5. Golden Decoration: Gold accents emphasized the connection to divine power.
Types of Byzantine Architecture:
1. Early Byzantine(4th-6th centuries): Characterized by simple, basilica-style churches.
Early Byzantine architecture refers to the style of building design that emerged in the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, from the 4th to the 7th centuries. During this period, the Byzantines developed a unique architectural style that blended Roman, Greek, and Eastern influences.
Characteristics of Early Byzantine Architecture:
1. Use of Domes: Byzantine architects made extensive use of domes, which became a hallmark of the style. Domes were often placed over square or circular spaces, creating a sense of grandeur and majesty.
2. Brick and Mortar Construction: Byzantine buildings were typically constructed using brick and mortar, with the bricks often being arranged in a decorative pattern.
3. Use of Mosaics: Byzantine architects made extensive use of mosaics, which were used to decorate the interiors of buildings. Mosaics were often used to depict religious scenes and figures.
4. Centralized Plan: Byzantine buildings often had a centralized plan, with a large, domed space at the center of the building.
5. Use of Columns and Capitals: Byzantine architects made use of columns and capitals, often decorating them with intricate carvings.
Famous Examples of Early Byzantine Architecture:
1. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey – This famous cathedral, built during the reign of Justinian I, is one of the most iconic examples of Byzantine architecture.
2. Basilica of San Lorenzo, Milan, Italy – This 4th-century basilica is one of the oldest examples of Byzantine architecture in the Western Roman Empire.
3. Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Palestine – This 4th-century church is one of the oldest examples of Byzantine architecture in the Holy Land.
4. Little Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey – This 6th-century church is one of the oldest examples of Byzantine architecture in Istanbul.
Influence of Early Byzantine Architecture:
Early Byzantine architecture had a profound influence on the development of architecture in Europe and the Middle East. The use of domes, mosaics, and centralized plans became a hallmark of Byzantine architecture, and was later adopted by architects in the Islamic world and Europe.
The Byzantine style also influenced the development of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in Europe, and can be seen in the design of buildings such as the Pantheon in Rome and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris.
2. Middle Byzantine(7th-10th centuries): Featured more complex, domed churches.
Middle Byzantine architecture refers to the style of building design that emerged in the Byzantine Empire from the 8th to the 11th centuries. During this period, the Byzantines continued to develop their unique architectural style, which was characterized by the use of domes, arches, and mosaics.
Characteristics of Middle Byzantine Architecture:
1. Use of Cross-in-Square Plan: Middle Byzantine architects often used the cross-in-square plan, which featured a large, central dome surrounded by four smaller domes.
2. Increased Use of Brick: Middle Byzantine buildings often featured extensive use of brick, which was used to construct walls, arches, and domes.
3. Development of the Byzantine Dome: Middle Byzantine architects continued to develop the Byzantine dome, which became a hallmark of the style.
4. Use of Mosaics: Middle Byzantine architects continued to use mosaics to decorate the interiors of buildings, often depicting religious scenes and figures.
5. Influence of Islamic Architecture: Middle Byzantine architecture was influenced by Islamic architecture, particularly in the use of arches and domes.
Famous Examples of Middle Byzantine Architecture:
1. Hosios Loukas, Distomo, Greece – This 10th-century monastery is one of the most famous examples of Middle Byzantine architecture.
2. Nea Moni, Chios, Greece – This 11th-century monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning mosaics.
3. Daphni Monastery, Athens, Greece – This 11th-century monastery is a famous example of Middle Byzantine architecture and features stunning mosaics.
4. St. Catherine’s Monastery, Sinai, Egypt – This 6th-century monastery is one of the oldest continuously operating monasteries in the world.
Regional Variations:
Middle Byzantine architecture varied across different regions of the Byzantine Empire. Some notable regional variations include:
1. Macedonian Architecture: Characterized by the use of brick and stone, and often featuring elaborate mosaics.
2. Constantinopolitan Architecture: Characterized by the use of marble and brick, and often featuring elaborate domes and arches.
3. Late Byzantine (11th-15th centuries): Saw the introduction of more ornate, Gothic-influenced designs.
Late Byzantine architecture refers to the style of building design that emerged in the Byzantine Empire from the 12th to the 15th centuries. During this period, the Byzantines continued to develop their unique architectural style, which was characterized by the use of domes, arches, and mosaics.
Characteristics of Late Byzantine Architecture:
1. Increased Use of Brick: Late Byzantine buildings often featured extensive use of brick, which was used to construct walls, arches, and domes.
2. Development of the Byzantine Dome: Late Byzantine architects continued to develop the Byzantine dome, which became a hallmark of the style.
3. Use of Mosaics: Late Byzantine architects continued to use mosaics to decorate the interiors of buildings, often depicting religious scenes and figures.
4. Influence of Gothic Architecture: Late Byzantine architecture was influenced by Gothic architecture, particularly in the use of pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
5. Regional Variations: Late Byzantine architecture varied across different regions of the Byzantine Empire.
Famous Examples of Late Byzantine Architecture:
1. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey – This famous cathedral, built during the reign of Justinian I, was renovated and expanded during the Late Byzantine period.
2. Monastery of St. Raphael and Holy Trinity, Thessaloniki, Greece – This 14th-century monastery is a famous example of Late Byzantine architecture.
3. Church of the Pantocrator, Istanbul, Turkey – This 12th-century church is a famous example of Late Byzantine architecture.
4. Kariye Camii, Istanbul, Turkey – This 14th-century church is a famous example of Late Byzantine architecture.
Other Famous Examples of Byzantine architecture :
1. Basilica of San Vitale (Ravenna, Italy)
2. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy)
3. Monastery of the Holy Trinity (Meteora, Greece)
4. St. Mark’s Basilica (Venice, Italy)
Byzantine architecture significantly influenced the development of Orthodox Christianity and Eastern European art, leaving a lasting legacy in the region’s cultural heritage.
Early Byzantine architecture
Early Byzantine architecture is stylistically and structurally indistinguishable from late Roman Architecture. When the Roman Empire became Christian (after having extended eastwards) with its new capital Constantinople(Istanbul) its architecture became more sensuous and ambitious. This new style with exotic domes and richer mosaics would come to be known as “Byzantine” before it traveled west to Ravenna and Venice and as far north as Moscow. Most of the churches and basilicas have high-riding domes, which created vast open spaces at the centers of churches, thereby heightening the light. The round arch is a fundamental of Byzantine style. Magnificent golden mosaics with their graphic simplicity brought light and warmth into the heart of churches.
Prime examples of early Byzantine architecture date from the Emperor Justinian 1’s reign and survive in Ravenna and Istanbul, as well as in Sofia (the Church of St. Sophia).
Middle Byzantine architecture
In the Macedonian dynasty, it is presumed that Basil 1’s votive church of the Theatokos of the Pharos and the Neo Ekklesia (both no longer existent) served as a model for most cross-in- square sanctuaries of the period, including the Cattolico di Stilo in southern Italy (9th century), the monastery church of Hosios Lukas in Greece (c. 1000), Nea Moni of Chios(a pet project of Constantine 9 ), and the Daphni Monastery near Athens (c. 1050). All three of the later churches display the important shifts in architectural design that occurred following the end of Iconoclasm, when architectural design and decoration became more standardized.
The Macedonian dynasty ruled the Byzantine empire from 867 to 1056, following the Amorian dynasty.The dynasty was named after its founder, Basil the Macedonian.
Late Byzantine architecture
The Palaeologan period is well represented in a dozen former churches in Istanbul, notably St. Saviour at Chora and St. Mary Pammakaristos. Unlike their Slavic counterparts, the Paleologan architects never accented the vertical thrust of structures.
Palaeologus or Palaeologue, was a Byzantine Greek noble family that rose to power and produced the last and longest-ruling dynasty in the history of the Byzantine Empire. Their rule as Byzantine emperors lasted almost two hundred years, from 1259 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
