How to Know Byzantine Architecture

Every architectural movement took influences from the designs and artwork of previous periods. Byzantine architecture is a classic example of borrowing from past iconic styles and creating a brand new movement. There are crucial components that allow one to know, recognize and appreciate Byzantine architecture.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Observe key works. Any study of most architectural periods will reveal that churches and other religious monuments comprise the significant designs of a specific period. For Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene are two of the many key works of this movement.

2. Understand the influences. Byzantine architecture owes many of its major components to Roman architecture. Understanding the Roman influence will help to define what makes Byzantine architecture distinctive. The use of arches and brick, for example, comes out of Roman architecture.

3. Review the structural advances. Byzantine architecture is known for a particular design that transitions square spaces into circular dome ceilings. That design is called the pendentive. The study of the pendentive and the squinch, among other advances, is key to finding the hallmark of Byzantine design.

4. Connect design to history. Changes in architectural movements often correlate to changes in ruling parties, wars and ideological movements. Art imitates life in the design of buildings, as much as it does in literature and art. Becoming a historian is often advantageous for ramping up on architectural periods, including the Byzantine.