Slide 1

Byzantine

Introduction Introduction Byzantine was renamed after its imperial founder Byzantine Constantinople and was inaugurated as the capital of the Roman Empire in 330 AD. This is situated at the junction of Europe ad Asia, in addition it was a big centre of trade and commerce.

Location

Geographic InfluenceConstantinople had no good building stone there fore local material such as clay for bricks and rubble for concrete had to be imported. Marble was brought from quarries in the island and along the shores of eastern Mediterranean sea to Constantinople.Byzantine stood on seven hills. It is at the junction of Europe and Asia, which are divided by a narrow strip of water. This gives the commanding and central position for government to expand the Roman empire. It was also at the intersection of two great highways of commerce- the water highway between black sea and Mediterranean sea and the trade route between Europe and Asia.

Climatic InfluencesThe climate was rather Hot, therefore small windows at high level and few openings were used. Flat roof in combination with domes and the open courtyards surrounded by sheltering arcades features are predominant.

Religion InfluencesConstantine established Christianity as the state religion of Roman Empire and it followed that the chief erected in byzantine is new capital were churches for new region

Architectural CharacterIt represents fusion of oriental and roman classical Architecture. The massive decoration had its origin in the Babylonian Style while dome construction was incorporated from Rome. Horizontal lands were introduced the domical roof created an impression of vast enclosed space. Interiors were decorated with massive glass work.

PlanningUse of centrals square plans. On square divisions to accommodate domes for roofing system is the measure characteristic feature. Modifications in Basilica plan consisted of a. Deletion of atrium court b. Incorporation of Nartex or vestibule as on Basilica of Constantinople c. Deletion of Belfry towers. Square plan of the eastern churches were termed as Greek Cross Plans.

Other Examples

Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo

The Basilica of Sant Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy, was built as an Arian church by Theodoric the Great, King of Ostrogoths (475-526) in the early 6th century. When Italy was conquered by the Byzantines during the Gothic War of 535-554, Justinian I had it converted into an Orthodox church and dedicated it to Saint Martin of Tours. The basilica was named Sant Apollinare Nuovo in the mid-9th century when it became home to the relics of Saint Apollinaris. Also home to splendid early Byzantine mosaics, in 1996 the basilica was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list as a part of the site of Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna.

The Basilica of San Vitale is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna. It too was built by the Ostrogoths (but completed by the Byzantines) and just like the Basilica of Sant Apollinare Nuovo, it is decorated with spectacular mosaics which are widely considered as the finest and most beautifully preserved example of Byzantine mosaic art outside Constantinople. Built on what is believed to be the site of martyrdom of Saint Vitalis (also known as Vitalis of Milan), the basilica was consecrated in 547.

Basilica of San Vitale

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Originally a host to chariot races and related activities including betting, the Hippodrome of Constantinople was also the site of a series of political upheavals and social unrest, some of which escalated into widespread riots and violence. Unfortunately, much of the once richly decorated hippodrome is long gone but many statues, obelisks and other features that used to adorn it have been quite well preserved: the Serpent Column, Walled Obelisk, Obelisk of Thutmose III and Porphyrios statues, to mention only a few.

Hagia IreneHagia Irene or Hagia Eirene is one of the earliest churches built in the Byzantine capital. It was commissioned by Constantinoples founder, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (r. 324-337) but unfortunately, the original church was destroyed during the Nika riots in 532. Emperor Justinian I had it rebuilt in the mid-6th century but the church suffered severe damage during an earthquake two centuries later. Much of the todays appearance of the church thus dates to the 8th century. Hagia Irene is now a museum but it is also used to host various musical events.