Byzantine architecture

Byzantine architecture
Building style of Constantinople (now Istanbul, formerly ancient Byzantium) after AD 330.

Byzantine architects were eclectic, at first drawing heavily on Roman temple features. Their combination of the basilica and symmetrical central-plan (circular or polygonal) religious structures resulted in the characteristic Byzantine Greek-cross-plan church, with a square central mass and four arms of equal length. The most distinctive feature was the domed roof. To allow a dome to rest above a square base, either of two devices was used: the squinch (an arch in each of the corners of a square base that transforms it into an octagon) or the pendentive. Byzantine structures featured soaring spaces and sumptuous decoration: marble columns and inlay, mosaics on the vaults, inlaid-stone pavements, and sometimes gold coffered ceilings. The architecture of Constantinople extended throughout the Christian East and in some places, notably Russia, remained in use after the fall of Constantinople (1453). See also Hagia Sophia.

* * *

      Building style of Constantinople (now Istanbul, formerly ancient Byzantium) after AD 330. Byzantine architects were eclectic, at first drawing heavily on Roman temple features. Their combination of the basilica and symmetrical central-plan (circular or polygonal) religious structures resulted in the characteristic Byzantine Greek-cross-plan church, with a square central mass and four arms of equal length. The most distinctive feature was the domed roof. To allow a dome to rest above a square base, either of two devices was used: the squinch (an arch in each of the corners of a square base that transforms it into an octagon) or the pendentive. Byzantine structures featured soaring spaces and sumptuous decoration: marble columns and inlay, mosaics on the vaults, inlaid-stone pavements, and sometimes gold coffered ceilings. The architecture of Constantinople extended throughout the Christian East and in some places, notably Russia, remained in use after the fall of Constantinople (1453). See also Hagia Sophia.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Byzantine Architecture — • A mixed style, i.e. a style composed of Graeco Roman and Oriental elements which, in earlier centuries, cannot be clearly separated Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Byzantine Architecture     Byzantine Architectur …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE —    Byzantine culture produced an architectural style that spans over a thousand years and can be found mainly in eastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. It originated in modern day Istanbul when the Roman Emperor Constantine established his …   Historical Dictionary of Architecture

  • Byzantine architecture — The Pammakaristos Church in Constantinople. Byzantine architecture is the architecture of the Byzantine Empire. The empire gradually emerged as a distinct artistic and cultural entity from what is today referred to as the Roman Empire after AD… …   Wikipedia

  • Byzantine architecture — noun the style of architecture developed in the Byzantine Empire developed after the 5th century; massive domes with square bases and round arches and spires and much use of mosaics • Hypernyms: ↑architectural style, ↑style of architecture, ↑type …   Useful english dictionary

  • Byzantine architecture — /bɪzəntin ˈakətɛktʃə/ (say bizuhnteen ahkuhtekchuh) noun a style of architecture developed in Byzantium and its provinces during the 5th and 6th centuries AD, characterised by centralised plans, vaulting, and rich use of light, shade, colourful… …  

  • Neo-Byzantine architecture in the Russian Empire — Cathedral of Saint Vladimir in Kiev was the first neo Byzantine design approved for construction in Russian Empire (1852). It was not the first to be completed though, since construction started in 1859 and continued until 1889 …   Wikipedia

  • Neo-Byzantine architecture — is an architectural revival style, most frequently seen in religious, institutional and public buildings. It emerged in 1840s in Western Europe and peaked in the last quarter of 19th century in the Russian Empire; an isolated Neo Byzantine school …   Wikipedia

  • Byzantine Art — • The art of the Eastern Roman Empire and of its capital Byzantium, or Constantinople Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Byzantine Art     Byzantine Art      …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Byzantine — By*zan tine (b[i^]*z[a^]n t[i^]n), a. Of or pertaining to Byzantium. n. A native or inhabitant of Byzantium, now Constantinople; sometimes, applied to an inhabitant of the modern city of Constantinople. [Written also {Bizantine}.] [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Byzantine church — Byzantine By*zan tine (b[i^]*z[a^]n t[i^]n), a. Of or pertaining to Byzantium. n. A native or inhabitant of Byzantium, now Constantinople; sometimes, applied to an inhabitant of the modern city of Constantinople. [Written also {Bizantine}.] [1913 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”