The med. & byzantine architecturre

1. THE MEDIEVALTHE MEDIEVAL
ARCHITECTUREARCHITECTURE

2. Map of Rome

4. Two major historical events:Two major historical events:
► One was the recognition of Christianity by theOne was the recognition of Christianity by the
Roman Emperor Constantine I inRoman Emperor Constantine I in 312 AD312 AD
► The other was the establishment of the IslamicThe other was the establishment of the Islamic
faith by the Prophet Muhammad in aboutfaith by the Prophet Muhammad in about 610610
AD.AD.
► From the one developedFrom the one developed ChristianChristian
architecture.architecture.
► From the other grewFrom the other grew Islamic architectureIslamic architecture ..

5. The Architecture of ChristianityThe Architecture of Christianity
►Early Christian ArchitectureEarly Christian Architecture
►Byzantine ArchitectureByzantine Architecture
►Romanesque ArchitectureRomanesque Architecture
►Gothic ArchitectureGothic Architecture

6. Early Christian ArchitectureEarly Christian Architecture
► Churches were built on a basilican plan andChurches were built on a basilican plan and
having a sloping roof rather than vaultinghaving a sloping roof rather than vaulting
► The surviving churches in Rome that most clearlyThe surviving churches in Rome that most clearly
evoke the character of Early Christian architectureevoke the character of Early Christian architecture
areare
► San Clemente (with its 4th-century choirSan Clemente (with its 4th-century choir
furnishingsfurnishings
► , Sant’ Agnese Fuori le Mura (rebuilt 630 and later), Sant’ Agnese Fuori le Mura (rebuilt 630 and later)
► Santa Sabina (422-432 AD).Santa Sabina (422-432 AD).

7. BasilicasBasilicas
► They were the HallsThey were the Halls
of justice. Archesof justice. Arches
were for freewere for free
movement. Abovemovement. Above
columns, there wascolumns, there was
the entry to thethe entry to the
gallery.gallery.

8. Plan of St. Peter BasilicaPlan of St. Peter Basilica

9. View of St. Peter BasilicaView of St. Peter Basilica

10. St. Peter’s ChurchSt. Peter’s Church

11. Plan of Holy SepulcherPlan of Holy Sepulcher

12. ► The central part (nave) of this rectangularThe central part (nave) of this rectangular
structure was supported on columnsstructure was supported on columns
opening towards single or double flankingopening towards single or double flanking
aisles of lower heightaisles of lower height
► The difference in roof height permittedThe difference in roof height permitted
high windows, called clerestory windows,high windows, called clerestory windows,
in the nave walls.in the nave walls.

13. ►at the end of the nave, opposite theat the end of the nave, opposite the
entrance, was placed the altar.entrance, was placed the altar.
►The altar was backed by a large apse (alsoThe altar was backed by a large apse (also
borrowed from Rome), in which theborrowed from Rome), in which the
officiating clergy were seated.officiating clergy were seated.

14. Plan of Holy SepulcherPlan of Holy Sepulcher

15. ►While Byzantine architecture developed onWhile Byzantine architecture developed on
the concept called the central church,the concept called the central church,
assembled around a central dome like theassembled around a central dome like the
Pantheon, the Western or Roman Church—Pantheon, the Western or Roman Church—
more concerned with congregationalmore concerned with congregational
participation in the Mass.participation in the Mass.

16. Pantheon Rome aerial view

17. InteriorExterior Overview

18. Pantheon
Rome

19. Church of Santa SabinaChurch of Santa Sabina

20. Interior of Santa Sabina

21. ►The Eastern emperor Justinian I was inThe Eastern emperor Justinian I was in
control of Ravenna during his reign (527-control of Ravenna during his reign (527-
565). Some of the constructions there can565). Some of the constructions there can
be considered Byzantine, as they featuredbe considered Byzantine, as they featured
mosaic mural compositions in Byzantinemosaic mural compositions in Byzantine
style.style.

22. Architectural CharacterArchitectural Character
►First of all the churches resembled theFirst of all the churches resembled the
houses and public places.houses and public places.
►They started painting the stories of bible onThey started painting the stories of bible on
the walls for illiterate people.the walls for illiterate people.
►They gave the message of ChristianityThey gave the message of Christianity
through work of art.through work of art.
►The houses had pitched wooden roofsThe houses had pitched wooden roofs
constructed with bricks.constructed with bricks.

23. ► After painting they started doing mosaic work.After painting they started doing mosaic work.
► They used to fill empty spaces of interior withThey used to fill empty spaces of interior with
paintings.paintings.
► Basilica (court of justice) was transformed intoBasilica (court of justice) was transformed into
churches.churches.
► The basilica had apse, aisle, nave and altar.The basilica had apse, aisle, nave and altar.
► They used wooden rafters and wooden posts inThey used wooden rafters and wooden posts in
order to construct the sloping roofs. The roofsorder to construct the sloping roofs. The roofs
from interior were flat and from exterior sloping.from interior were flat and from exterior sloping.
► The Christian churches were constructed on theThe Christian churches were constructed on the
site of the burial places of their saints and weresite of the burial places of their saints and were
named after the saints.named after the saints.
► There were 31 churches in the 4There were 31 churches in the 4thth
century A.D.century A.D.
► Over the period of time Christianity spreadOver the period of time Christianity spread
through the entire continent of Europe.through the entire continent of Europe.

24. ►The architecture of churches in the otherThe architecture of churches in the other
parts of the world followed local tradition.parts of the world followed local tradition.
►Areas occupied by Byzantine empire hadAreas occupied by Byzantine empire had
different churches.different churches.
►Initially, the churches were rectangular andInitially, the churches were rectangular and
later on circular or a polygon.later on circular or a polygon.
►Most of the polygonal forms were found inMost of the polygonal forms were found in
the Byzantine empire.the Byzantine empire.

25. ►Domes and vaults were mostly used.Domes and vaults were mostly used.
►There was no new construction technology.There was no new construction technology.
►They used existing techniques.They used existing techniques.
►Nero put ban on Christianity and startedNero put ban on Christianity and started
persecution which lasted for 250 years.persecution which lasted for 250 years.
►This is also known as dark age in term ofThis is also known as dark age in term of
architecture.architecture.

26. The Byzantine EmpireThe Byzantine Empire

27. ► The Byzantine Empire was theThe Byzantine Empire was the successor statesuccessor state
to the Roman Empire.to the Roman Empire.
► It was also called the Eastern orIt was also called the Eastern or East RomanEast Roman
Empire.Empire.
► This eastern half of the Roman Empire, whichThis eastern half of the Roman Empire, which
survived for asurvived for a thousand yearsthousand years after the westernafter the western
half had crumbled into various feudal kingdomshalf had crumbled into various feudal kingdoms
and which finally fell to Ottoman Turkishand which finally fell to Ottoman Turkish
onslaughts (fierce attacks) in 1453.onslaughts (fierce attacks) in 1453.

28. Historical BackgroundHistorical Background
► In AD 330 the Roman emperorIn AD 330 the Roman emperor Constantine-I,Constantine-I, in anin an
attempt to strengthen the empire, refoundedattempt to strengthen the empire, refounded ByzantiumByzantium
asas Constantinople, the 'New Rome'Constantinople, the 'New Rome' and capital of theand capital of the
eastern half of the empire.eastern half of the empire.
► The eastern half continued as the Byzantine Empire, withThe eastern half continued as the Byzantine Empire, with
ConstantinopleConstantinople as its capital.as its capital. Constantine the GreatConstantine the Great
wanted this city to be built from scratch as the center of thewanted this city to be built from scratch as the center of the
Christian world.Christian world. He and his following emperors madeHe and his following emperors made
Constantinople into one of the most elaborate and civilizedConstantinople into one of the most elaborate and civilized
cities in the world. The wealth that was displayed wascities in the world. The wealth that was displayed was
incredible. Until the Fourth Crusade, (religious battle forincredible. Until the Fourth Crusade, (religious battle for
empowering Christianity).empowering Christianity).

29. HistoryHistory
►ConstantinopleConstantinople enjoyedenjoyed 874874 yearsyears ofof
growth and stability. Few cities in historygrowth and stability. Few cities in history
have lasted so long without being overrunhave lasted so long without being overrun
by an invading army.by an invading army.
►The eastern empire was heir to theThe eastern empire was heir to the
Hellenistic civilization, a blending of GreekHellenistic civilization, a blending of Greek
and Middle Eastern elements dating back toand Middle Eastern elements dating back to
the conquests of Alexander the Great.the conquests of Alexander the Great.

30. ►It was also more skillful in fending off (keepingIt was also more skillful in fending off (keeping
away) invaders, through both warfare andaway) invaders, through both warfare and
diplomacy.diplomacy.
►With these advantages, the ByzantineWith these advantages, the Byzantine
emperors, who still considered themselvesemperors, who still considered themselves
Romans, dreamt of reuniting the empire.Romans, dreamt of reuniting the empire.
►The greatest of these emperors wasThe greatest of these emperors was
Justinian-IJustinian-I (reigned 527-565AD). He(reigned 527-565AD). He
sponsored asponsored a compilation andcompilation and
recodification of Roman lawrecodification of Roman law and built theand built the
magnificentmagnificent Hagia Sophia cathedral.Hagia Sophia cathedral.
Justinian's reconquest of North Africa and ItalyJustinian's reconquest of North Africa and Italy
were short-lived.were short-lived.

31. • Although its rulers continued to styleAlthough its rulers continued to style
themselves "Roman" long after the deaththemselves "Roman" long after the death
of Justinian, the term "Byzantine" moreof Justinian, the term "Byzantine" more
accurately describes the very differentaccurately describes the very different
medieval empire.medieval empire.
• Within 10 years, of the emergence ofWithin 10 years, of the emergence of
Islam, Syria and Palestine, Egypt andIslam, Syria and Palestine, Egypt and
North Africa were under Muslim ArabNorth Africa were under Muslim Arab
control.control.

32. BYZANTINEBYZANTINE
ARCHITECTUREARCHITECTURE
► Byzantine religious architecture used theByzantine religious architecture used the twotwo
basic structuresbasic structures developed in EARLYdeveloped in EARLY
CHRISTIAN ARCHITECTURECHRISTIAN ARCHITECTURE
► longitudinal planlongitudinal plan
► centralized-plan buildings,centralized-plan buildings, which served aswhich served as
BAPTISTERIES and asBAPTISTERIES and as martyriamartyria (memorials over tombs of(memorials over tombs of
martyrs).martyrs).
BASILICAS,BASILICAS, served as meeting places for theserved as meeting places for the
religious service,religious service,

33. Hagia SophiaHagia Sophia

35. Hagia SophiaHagia Sophia
►Hagia Sophia in Istanbul built as aHagia Sophia in Istanbul built as a
Christian Church in about 550ADChristian Church in about 550AD
but became mosque in 15thbut became mosque in 15th
century. It is now a museum tocentury. It is now a museum to
both religionsboth religions

36. ► It was Justinian’s great church atIt was Justinian’s great church at
Constantinople, Hagia Sophia,Constantinople, Hagia Sophia, or theor the
Church of the Holy Wisdom (532-537), thatChurch of the Holy Wisdom (532-537), that
demonstrated how a vast dome could bedemonstrated how a vast dome could be
superimposed on a square plan.superimposed on a square plan.
► The solution was to articulate the transitionThe solution was to articulate the transition
between the square plan of the building and thebetween the square plan of the building and the
circular plan of the dome by means ofcircular plan of the dome by means of
pendentives, or concave triangles .pendentives, or concave triangles .
► The arrangement of this can be visualized byThe arrangement of this can be visualized by
drawing a circle within a square. Raiseddrawing a circle within a square. Raised
vertically.vertically.
► The four concave triangles form a ring on whichThe four concave triangles form a ring on which
rests the dome.rests the dome.

38. Hagia Sophia

43. The Minbar and
the Mihrab of the
mosque, and
one of the eight
huge calligraphic
roundels that are
arranged around
the edge of the
building.

44. ► Hagia Sophia was constructed in 532 A.D.Hagia Sophia was constructed in 532 A.D.
► It is a beautiful example of dome built onIt is a beautiful example of dome built on
pendentives.pendentives.
► Justinian built this building. He also constructed aJustinian built this building. He also constructed a
university and gave the code of law which becameuniversity and gave the code of law which became
the basis of modern law.the basis of modern law.
► Justinian was an enthusiastic and active personJustinian was an enthusiastic and active person
and is assumed to be most important ruler ofand is assumed to be most important ruler of
Byzantium.Byzantium.
► He hired the most important and renownedHe hired the most important and renowned
architects to build Hagia Sophia.architects to build Hagia Sophia.
► Justinian not only brought the best material butJustinian not only brought the best material but
also made his residence near Hagia Sophia toalso made his residence near Hagia Sophia to
supervise the work.supervise the work.

45. Hagia Sophia (divine wisdom).Hagia Sophia (divine wisdom).
►Justinian 1 appointedJustinian 1 appointed AnthemiusAnthemius
TrellesTrelles as the chief architect. Isodorous ofas the chief architect. Isodorous of
Miletus (city of Greece) was hisMiletus (city of Greece) was his
achievement. Both of them were inspiredachievement. Both of them were inspired
from the Asia Minor. So, they built domes,from the Asia Minor. So, they built domes,
huge walls and piers.huge walls and piers.

46. Plan:Plan:
►The main plan of Hagia Sophia is such thatThe main plan of Hagia Sophia is such that
it has a main hall and a central dome aboveit has a main hall and a central dome above
it and two half domes beside it.it and two half domes beside it.
►It has four main piers.It has four main piers.

50. DomeDome
► The diameter of the main dome is 107 (351 ft) meters. The dome wasThe diameter of the main dome is 107 (351 ft) meters. The dome was
built with special bricks. The bricks were imported from the Island ofbuilt with special bricks. The bricks were imported from the Island of
Rhodes. They were so light that five bricks weighed equal to oneRhodes. They were so light that five bricks weighed equal to one
normal brick of today.normal brick of today.
► There is a view of windows at the base of the dome providing light andThere is a view of windows at the base of the dome providing light and
ventilation to the interior and this also reduced the weight of the dome.ventilation to the interior and this also reduced the weight of the dome.
► The crown of the dome is 180 ft. above the ground so that 17 storeyThe crown of the dome is 180 ft. above the ground so that 17 storey
building can be accommodated in this height.building can be accommodated in this height.
► Two half domes are also provided to get a large hall beneath. This hallTwo half domes are also provided to get a large hall beneath. This hall
is 240 ft. long and 107ft wide and it is a clear and unobstructed hall.is 240 ft. long and 107ft wide and it is a clear and unobstructed hall.
► With addition of niches, they attained the length of 250 ft.With addition of niches, they attained the length of 250 ft.
► In the earthquake of 550 A.D. the dome fell down and it wasIn the earthquake of 550 A.D. the dome fell down and it was
immediately rebuilt with a bigger curvature than the previous one.immediately rebuilt with a bigger curvature than the previous one.

53. Material & Construction Technique:Material & Construction Technique:
►It is believed that Byzantine dome andIt is believed that Byzantine dome and
vaults were constructed without temporaryvaults were constructed without temporary
support or centering by the simple use ofsupport or centering by the simple use of
large flat bricks and this may be derivedlarge flat bricks and this may be derived
from eastern methods.from eastern methods.
►They also used marble tiles veneered afterThey also used marble tiles veneered after
the building has dried out so that crackingthe building has dried out so that cracking
can be avoided.can be avoided.

54. Comparative Architecture:Comparative Architecture:
► Byzantine architecture started in 550A.D.Byzantine architecture started in 550A.D.
and ended in 1453A.D, at the start of theand ended in 1453A.D, at the start of the
Ottoman period.Ottoman period.
► It was much influenced by the localIt was much influenced by the local
activities.activities.
► In Greek architecture the church had aIn Greek architecture the church had a
central dome over a polygon andcentral dome over a polygon and
trusses were on its either sides.trusses were on its either sides.
► The main feature of this architecture isThe main feature of this architecture is
the dome covering the main centralthe dome covering the main central
square hall or main nave, standing oversquare hall or main nave, standing over
pendentives.pendentives.

55. ►There were three types of domes:There were three types of domes:
simple Domesimple Dome
compound domecompound dome
Melon Shaped DomeMelon Shaped Dome
► Narthrex consisted of domes.Narthrex consisted of domes.
►In the early Christian architectureIn the early Christian architecture
there was a bell tower out side thethere was a bell tower out side the
church, but in Byzantine the centralchurch, but in Byzantine the central
dome was very huge that there wasdome was very huge that there was
no need of bell tower.no need of bell tower.

56. ► In early Christian architecture the church gave aIn early Christian architecture the church gave a
horizontal expression by series of columns,horizontal expression by series of columns,
entablature and flat roofs.entablature and flat roofs.
► In early Christian architecture a large no. ofIn early Christian architecture a large no. of
monasteries were constructed on the trade routes ofmonasteries were constructed on the trade routes of
the remote areas in hill sides. These comprised ofthe remote areas in hill sides. These comprised of
hostels, dispensaries and teaching institutes for thehostels, dispensaries and teaching institutes for the
benefit of the travellers.benefit of the travellers.
► In Byzantine architecture a series of domesIn Byzantine architecture a series of domes
dominated the plan of monasteries i.e. large squaredominated the plan of monasteries i.e. large square
covered by a large dome and half square with a smallcovered by a large dome and half square with a small
dome.dome.

57. DecorationDecoration
► The bricks were mostly used because stone wasThe bricks were mostly used because stone was
scarce in Turkey. Externally the bricks werescarce in Turkey. Externally the bricks were
bonded with thick mortar but internally the lowerbonded with thick mortar but internally the lower
portion was decorated with marble and glassportion was decorated with marble and glass
mosaics in the upper portionmosaics in the upper portion
► Colors were lavishly used in preparing andColors were lavishly used in preparing and
executing of frescos and mosaic, specially on theexecuting of frescos and mosaic, specially on the
ceilings.ceilings.

58. Fresco PaintingFresco Painting
There are two types of fresco painting:There are two types of fresco painting:
1.1. Fresco SuccoFresco Succo
2.2. Fresco bonno (true fresco)Fresco bonno (true fresco)
► Fresco Succo:Fresco Succo:
The paint is applied on the dry plaster, mostly it is lime plaster.The paint is applied on the dry plaster, mostly it is lime plaster.
► Fresco bonnoFresco bonno (true fresco)(true fresco)
The paint is applied on wet plaster i.e. plaster contains only 5 %The paint is applied on wet plaster i.e. plaster contains only 5 %
of moisture. The paint penetrates the plaster and is long lasting.of moisture. The paint penetrates the plaster and is long lasting.
They protected the fresco paintings by laminating with coconutThey protected the fresco paintings by laminating with coconut
oil. Fresco was the tradition of Turkey and Asia and was notoil. Fresco was the tradition of Turkey and Asia and was not
popular in Rome.popular in Rome.

59. Thank YouThank You