Learning from the Byzantine Empire!

         Byzantine was a Greek speaking continuation of the Eastern half of the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. After the Western half of Rome fell, the Eastern half succeeded on for another thousand years. Today we now know this place as Istanbul. The Byzantine Empire lasted from 324-1453 until it fell to the Ottoman Turks. During their time, they were the most powerful in military, economic, and cultural forces.


       The Byzantine Empire had its first golden age under the rule of Emperor Justinian who ruled from 518-527. As Justinian's empire conquered much of Western Rome's land, monumental structures were being built. One being the famous Hagia Sophia.

Emperor Justinian

Hagia Sophia

     First construction began in 537. The most renown architectural characteristic taken from the Byzantines is the use of pendentives. New circle domes were being supported by regular square bases. 

Pendentive method

Byzantine Architectural Charatcterisics...

       Brick was a main material source used in construction. Central planning, domes, vaults, round arches, and pendentives were widespread designs. Church interiors began separating the church and nave within a structure. Gold mosaics and colorful stones adorned walls. Flooring was tiled marble in geometric patterns, while walls were also covered in marble, mosaics, and frescoes. 

       Even today we still see the pendentive method of building arches and domes. Even more prominent is how much we use mosaics and the rich colors and patterns.

Fun Fact!

          It is said that Byzantine got its name in 660 B.C. from a Greek citizen named Byzas who consulted the oracle of Apollo at Delphi as to where he should start a new colony. After finding the area, he named it after himself.

Until next class!