By:
Brandon Shafer
Italian Architecture
Early Christian and Byzantine
By 300 A.D., the Roman Empire has over extended itself and was having difficulties protecting it's land. With the decreasing military power, there was also a decrease in technological tradition and innovation. Many people then began to migrate away from the Roman Empire due to the lack of protection. After the complete collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Justinian came to power in the new Byzantine Empire, consisting of the Easern territory of the late Roman Empire. When Justinian came to power in 527 A.D., the architecture changed from Roman to Byzantine. This style of architecture was based around Christian beliefs, as he began to build towns with churches or chapels in the center. As Justinain expanded his empire to encompass nearly all of Italy, he spread his christian architectual ideas as well, resulting in impressive buildings, espeically basilicas.
History:
Background
The Dome:
Styles
Domed roofs were one of the most famous pieces of architecture during the Byzantine era. They were generally made out of light material and rested on pentatives that allowed the to be on square and rectangular buildings. Ther were a popular feature in religious buildings such as basilicas, churhes, or chapels.
Mosaic:
Much of the interior of buildings, expecially the ceilings, were decorated with mosaic, reflecting the christian influence in Byzantine architecture.
Byzantine Arch:
The Byzantine arch was distinguished by a central point, where everywhere else on the arch is equidistant from such point. This style of arch remained popular in the west accompanied later by peaked arches.
Consisting of many domes, arches, and opulent mosaics, this basilica is one of the most well known examples of Byzantine architecture in Italy. The arches can be seen all along the front of the building. On the inside, the mosaics are plastered with gold all along the domes, giving the nickname "Chiesa d'Oro", or "The Church of Gold".
This cathedral in Modena, Italy is a great example of Byzantine architecture. It's interior houses many byzantine arches along the sides, and the small domes throughout show the popular architectural features of the time.