Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire was the longest period in European history and is now referred to as Istanbul.  The Empire was influenced by the Orient and the Greeks.  They took the look of the dome from the east and the square base of the classical temple from the west to create Pendentive construction. The Pendentive method is described as the method of supporting a circular dome on a square base.  One example of the Pendentive method is the Hagia Sophia, which means 'church of the holy wisdom'.  This church collapsed 2-3 times during construction.

 The Hagia Sophia view of the exterior.  This shows the dome on the top as well as how the four corner towers outline the square base that is part of the Pendentive method.



Below shows how the Pententive shape takes form to create the Hagia Sophia.



 

Byzantine architecture and interior design consisted of arches, domes, mosaics that had gold or lapis backgrounds, central planning, alternating stone colors or stone and brick, vaults, interiors divided into bays, and using marble to tile floors because it was most durable.

 

Here are some current applications of Byzantine style to help understand their style.

 

 

k