Byzantine Architecture

The architecture of the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire which developed from
Early Christian and late Roman antecedents in the 4th century.
After the Christian Church emerged from the catacombs, its first great edifice, begun by
the Emperor ustinian, was !agia "ophia #$%&'$%() in Constantinople, the *+ew Rome*
founded on the site of Byzantium by Constantine, the ,irst Christian Emperor of the
Roman Empire.
-he style of !agia "ophia, developing as it did midway between the ancient cultures of
.reece. and /ersia, partoo0 of the characteristics of both. Ancient forms of architecture
and decoration were used by the early Christian artists to develop what has now become
Christian symbolism,
-he architectural and decorative style thus begun in Constantinople spread throughout the
fourth, fifth and si1th century Christian world until the fall of Constantinople to the -ur0s
#24$%).
Features
Each church has a covered porch #narthe1) to the west and an altar behind the iconostasis
in the eastern apse. -he apse is often hidden from public view by an elaborate iconostasis
screen, through whose doors only the clergy are admitted.
-he nave typically has three aisles with the dome above the central s3uare space.
,rescoes and mosaics in churches4 interiors were organized according to a standard
scheme. "ymbolically, images descended from heaven #Christ /anto0rator in the dome)
to earth #the saints on the lowest level). -he 5irgin was shown in the semi'dome of the
apse, with the fathers of the church below her.
-he side walls are decorated registers or formal placements. 6n the lowest level stand
life'size portrayals of the saints, their heads illuminated with haloes. 7ore comple1
scenes portraying incidents from the .ospels or or the 8ay of udgment fill the upper
walls and vaults.
Apse
-he recess, usually semicircular, at the end of a Roman basilica or a Christian church.

Basilica
9n Roman architecture, a public building for assemblies, especially tribunals, rectangular
in plan, entered on a long side. 9n Christian architecture, an early church somewhat
resembling the Roman basilica: usually entered from one end with an apse at the other
creating an a1ial plan.
Dome
A hemispherical roof or vault.
"ymbolically filled by the figure of Christ in udgment, the /anto0rator. Choirs of angels
swirl around !im, and outside them stand the 6ld testament prophets.

Fresco
-he art of painting on fresh, moist plaster with pigments dissolved in water.

Icon
A representation or picture of a sacred or sanctified personage, traditional to the Eastern
Church.

Iconostasis
A screen in Byzantine churches separating the sanctuary from the nave and pierced by
three doors, originally a lattice of columns ;oined by a decorated parapet and coping.
"ince the 24th'2$th c. it has become a wooden or stone wall covered with icons, hence the
name.
Mosaic
A picture or decorative design made by setting small colored pieces, as of stone or tile,
into a surface.

Narthex
An entrance hall leading to the nave of a church
Nave
-he central aisle of a church

Pantokrator
Christ in udgment

Sanctuary
A sacred place, such as a church, temple or mos3ue.
ault
An arched ceiling or roof of stone or bric0, sometimes imitated in wood or plaster.