ARH 1010 Monument Features

Dura-Europos Synagogue

• converted private house with central courtyard and main room with a niche for the Torah

• extensive cycle of mural paintings (Roman influence), narrative and figurative

  • painted on dried plaster, fresco like, scenes from scripture

• well preserved, based off Roman grid like pattern

• differs from Roman temple because shrine is modest

SIGNIFICANCE

• MOSES STRIKING THE ROCK

  • expression of Jewish faith under Roman persecution

Dura-Europos Church

• Christian place for community worship - modest remodeled Roman house with central courtyard, meeting hall, and baptistry

• architecture developed to accommodate ritual

  • platform for clergy to stand

  • raised platform at one end for leader of congregation

• with surge of Christianity, houses were needed to accommodate

• baptistry has frescoes on the walls

SIGNIFICANCE

• popular with the disenfranchised and poor parts of the city

• separate spaces for those baptized versus those not

• safe place for prosecuted Christians

Old St. Peters

• follows pattern for Roman Basilicas

• central nave with transept that housed saint peter’s relics and symbolized Christian cross, flanking aisle, and apse

• open columnaded courtyard called an atrium

• huge marbled balacchino - domical canopy over altar - supported by 4 spiral columns (taken from older Roman buildings) which marked spot of tomb

• mosaics and frescoes

• longitudinal plan and boxy form

• clerestory windows

• built on vatican hill, to avoid confrentation between Roman Christian and those who worshiped old gods

SIGNIFICANCE

• marked site of Saint Peter’s tomb

• created by Constantine after he established Christianity as religion

• important model for churches

Teotihuacan

• large, densely populated metropolis laid out in grid pattern (Roman planning) with axis oriented by sophisticated surveying

• astronomical orientations and sacrificial practices

• 3 monumental pyramids echoing shape of nearby mountains/volcanos made of core of lava and earth

• stacked square platforms that diminish

• ramped staircase leading to crowning temples, made of wood and thatch (perishable)

• talud-tablero

  • alternating sloping and vertical construction

  • stone masonry panels

• long main avenue - avenue of the dead

Pyramid of the Moon (Teotihuacan)

• surface brightly painted on layer of stucco

• pyramid got bigger over time

• truncated pyramids stacked by central staircase and surrounded by altar platforms

• 7 phases of construction

SIGNIFICANCE

• gods (deity of water and agriculture) worshiped here and were given sacrifices, animals buried alive in cages, human sacrifice

• pilgrims and crowd processions

Pyramid of the Sun (Teotihuacan)

• sun-dried bricks used on the outside

• faced with stone, then stucco

• built over a cave, may have marked sacred spring that symbolizes the womb of the earth/entrance to the underworld

• stars align with point on horizon

• along avenue of the dead

• twice the size of the pyramid of the moon

SIGNIFICANCE

• children skeletons buried in corners, believed to bring rainfall

Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent (Teotihuacan)

• large courtyard with axillary buildings and altars for sacrifice

• sculpture patterns feature projecting stone heads of feathered serpent alternating with long snouted scaly creature with rings on its forehead, linked by relief carvings of feathered serpent bodies and seashells (water assoc.)

  • vivid paint (quezalcoatl - brilliant green)

SIGNIFICANCE

• 8, 18, 20 groups of people for sacrifice - venus calender

• beneath temple was a looted tomb thought to belong to ruler

• surrounded by warrior remains (assoc with warfare)

Chichen Itza

• flat low limestone region

• solid core of coarse rubbled faced on both sides with veneer of limestone

El Castillo (Snake Mountain)

• radial pyramid that was brightly painted

• temple of Kukulan (feathered serpent god) sits on top of pyramid and the sun casts shadows on equinoxes in the shape of a snake writhing

• stepped pyramid that is the birthplace of snake serpent god

• ballcourt at base where civilization started

• astronomical orientations with 4 cardinal points

• 9 level step pyramid represents 9 levels of underworld

• chamber with throne in form of red jaguar

Temple of Warriors

• smaller temple on the side of El Castillo

• named for warrior sculptures that decorate piers around the structure

• 4 platforms leading to temple structure

• arcade approach with columned area

• ballcourt and Chacmool figure

El Caracol

• round northern Mayan structure enclosed by a circular staircase

• astronomical observatory at summit (windows along staircase and opening at summit )

• cylindrical tower rests on broad surface that is supported by larger rectangular platform

• composed of 2 concentric walls

Ballcourt of Chichen Itza

• temples dedicated to jaguars

• rows of skull images

• sacred landscape due to presence of serpent statues

• ballcourt as portal from our world to divine

Chacmool Figure (Chicen Itza)

reclined on back and containing a receptacle to receive offerings

Ashokan Pillar

• monolithic (carved from single block of highly polished sandstone from queries where Buddha preached)

• enormous scale

• associated with tree of life and axis mundi (axis of the world, anchored into the ground)

• inscriptions with Buddhism law code

• capped with elaborate capitals

SIGNIFICANCE

• raised at important sites for Buddhist pilgrimage

Lions Capital

• lotus blossom at base, represented water, purity, Buddha rose up from the sludge like a lotus does

• 2 pairs of back to back lions stand on round abacus (drum shaped slab) decorated with 4 wheels and 4 animals (rulers) symbolizing 4 corners of the world

• chakra - referencing wheel of the law (Ashoka as chakravartin “holder of the wheel”)

• open mouths reference worldwide announcement of Buddha’s message

• copper disc on top of capital = disc of the sun, Buddha as sun with rays spreading

SIGNIFICANCE

• many symbols to represent Buddha

• finest capital from Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon and set the wheel of law into motion

• Chakra spokes symbolize principles in life and 24 hours of the day

Great Stupa at Sanchi

• solid mound of earth containing relics of Buddha with square steps

• 4 compass points of the stupa are marked by huge sandstone Toranas (gateways)

• mandala = sacred diagram of the universe

• at summit is pole with chatras corresponding to axis mundi

• relief sculptures cover Toranas, depict episodes from Buddha’s life/past

• East Toranas contain Yakshi- nude women personifying fertility and vegetation

• axis mundi through harmika

• stone fence that seperates stupa from the profane world

SIGNIFICANCE

• not entered but circumambulated with right hand to honor Buddha

• religious relics containing Buddha’s ashes, originally Ashoka split into 8 Stupas and continued from there

Chaitya Hall

• carved out of stone with barrel vaulted ceiling

• stupa at end of hall which is circumambulated

• pillared ambulatory (horse-shoe shaped aisles which enabled circumambulation)

• acoustics, good for chanting

• elaborate capitals atop rock-cut pillars, depicting people riding elephants

• amorphous couples (mithunas) flank entrance and symbolize creation of life force

SIGNIFICANCE

• stop along trade route- pilgrimage site

• monastic complex

Borobudur

• constructed on a hill, terraces, colossal size

• volcanic blocks of stone

• takes form of cosmic mountain (mandela) with sandstone relief sculptures on base and around monument - teachings of buddha

• accessible by 4 stairways, cardinal points, axis mundi

• hollowed stupas and stupas containing seated buddha at the top

SIGNIFICANCE

• circumambulate stupa at the top

• pilgrimage destination, guide them into enlightenment

Horyu-Ji

• asymmetrical form

• pagoda- curving roof forms with emphasis on axis mundi,

  • reliquary like a stupa,

  • decreasing size the higher you go, 5 stories

    • soaring spirit of Buddhist faith

• golden kondo hall- main hall for worship, contained statues of Buddha, main statue saved from fire

• oldest wooden building

SIGNIFICANCE

• introduction of Buddhism in Japan

• influence of Chinese culture

• center for Buddhist scholarship

Hagia Sophia

• centrally planned domed basilica

• light floods interior due to windows at base of dome

• pedentive construction made the dome possible through gradual transition from square to circle

• lavishly decorated with mosaics (covered as mosque)

• candlelight on reflective gold glass, dissolving building into light

• brick walls covered with marble

• buttresses and 4 minarets added when turned into mosque

• weight concentrated on pillars, not walls (Roman)

• sanctuary aspse

SIGNIFICANCE

• Justinian constructed as symbol of rebirth after insurrection (riot)

• highly spiritual

San Vitale

• octagonal plan(2 concentric walls)

  • clerestory lighting

• piers alternate with curved columned room into 2 story ambulatory

• natural light filtered through windows and over mosaics (glowing marbles)

• mosaics on apse walls and choir - form unified composition

SIGNIFICANCE

• Justinian and Theodora mosaics, unification of church and state

  • Justinian and Theodora wear purple; expensive dye reserved only for elite

Dome of the Rock

• octagonal with towering gold covered dome

• central plan

• designed around rock

• originally had mosaics, now colorful tiles, rich mosaic ornamentation along dome base

• rises from a huge platform (Noble Enclosure), high visibility

• 4 entrances, cardinal

• 2 aisles around central rock

• columns reused from roman/christian structures

SIGNIFICANCE

• rock was religious site, originally where Abraham’s sacrifice of his son was

  • Adam’s grave

  • Muhammad beginning journey to heave/return to mecca

• not a mosque, shrine site

Great Mosque at Cordoba

• overlaying horseshoe shaped arches, double rows on slender columns

  • dazzling frames, infinite space

  • red and white alternating ashlar

  • aqueduct inspired

  • since the columns are short they had to double tier for support

• crisscrossing ribs form intricate and decorative patterns in dome - octagonal base of squinches (columns on the corner)

• walls covered with marbles and mosaics, has small protrusions

• hypostyle prayer hall

• built in phases

• columns used from Roman and Visigoth sites

SIGNIFICANCE

• converted to Christian use

• Islamic and Christian heritage like Hagia Sophia

Great Mosque at Djenne

• largest mud-brick building (adobo), replastered every year

• courtyard on north side (entrance) in front of roofed prayer hall

• platform raised to prevent floodwater

• not orthogonal, trapezoidal shape

• qibla wall like always faces mecca

• roof spaces with projecting pipes to drain water

• engaged wooden columns

• bundles of palm sticks protruding

• tops of (3) minarets decorated with ostrich eggs- fertility & purity

SIGNIFICANCE

• Islam spread through Mali via trade routes

• center for Islamic studies

St. Sernin

• stone-vaulted basilica, grand

• basilica style but increased length of nave, doubled side aisles, added transept, and radiating chapels

• crossing square marked off by heavy arches served as module for church -

  geometrically precise

• thick walls

• use of stone- fire-resistant

• groin vaults

• compound piers (piers with columns attached)

• no direct lighting

SIGNIFICANCE

• pilgrimage site

Beta Ghiorgis (Church of St. George)

• cut out of the volcanic bedrock in form of a cross (4 arms of equal length)

• hollowed out a hemispheric dome beneath cruciform roof

• built over system of waterways which feed into river Jordan

• carved downwards and looks northwest

• painted walls

SIGNIFICANCE

• sophisticated understanding of hydroengineering

Amiens Cathedral

• skeletal architecture,

• pointed arches at astounding height

• flying buttresses as external support and rib vaults for taller appearance

• complex windows, large

• clerestory allows flood of light

• decorative stonework

• center of city

SIGNIFICANCE

• medieval modernist!!

• high ceilings

Florence Duomo/Cathedral

• wider and deeper nave and aisle bays - spaciousness

• solid steady walls

• capitals of piers prevent soaring into vaults and emphasize functional support

• not gothic, smaller windows and clerestory

• like early Christian basilica nave

• massive compound stone piers contrast white walls

• round oculi

• heavy molding

• tie rods to prevent collapse

SIGNIFICANCE

• celebrates Rome

• rivalry with Siena

City of Florence

• dominant city state

• PROUD Roman heritage, doesn’t address Etruscan

• economic and cultural perceived superiority

• Roman grid ground pattern, 2 axis

• Roman core where all the civic buildings were

• flat ground and next to river

Siena Duomo

• striped stone associated with Siena, ornate decoration, colored stonework

• cathedral on top of a hill, domed

• built in phases

• groin vaults in the nave and aisles springing from compound piers

• triple doors

• buttresses and fliers not visible from outside, thicker walls

• french gothic facade

SIGNIFICANCE

• combines French gothic details and Italian stonework

• pride of Siena

City of Siena

• Italian city-state

• urban center for bankers and merchants, international contact, patronage

• focused on open field and large public plaza with streets directed towards it, at a low point

• built on 3 hills/ridges

• Etruscan town

• primarily used brick

Great Zimbabwe

• largest stone complex in Africa pre-modern era

• huge walled enclosure with excellent stonework, regularly shaped blocks without mortar

• great enclosure houses one large and several small conical towerlike structures - suggest granary, within upper valley

  • 3 separate entrances, non fortified

  • wall height varies

  • chevron pattern on outer wall

  • royal residences

• hill complex (promontory), had defensive compounds, monumental walls

• lower valley less preserved

• soapstone monolith - bird and crocodile sculptures

SIGNIFICANCE

• satellite urbanism

• trade center - gold

Palazzo Vecchio

• gigantic bell tower - symbol of city pride and defensive structure, cantilevered out, precise geometry for precise viewing

• rusticated walls (rough)

• emblems on windows

• fortified courtyard

• additions to the buildings, not visible from piazza

• 3 main stories capped by ballatoio - crown type structure wrapped around (fourth story of windows and battlements)

• can see both sides (like Parthenon)

SIGNIFICANCE

• defensive, fortified

• town hall on a major piazza - socialization

Palazzo Pubblico

• built in phases, wings, office buildings added

• civic center around campo (public space) - big, open field

• civic buildings

• built out of brick - city identity

• surrounded by palaces of elites so had to match the style of surrounding buildings

• pointed arches

• galleries with holes in the floor to pour/dump stones and hot oil against attackers

• FRESCOES

SIGNIFICANCE

• defensive lookout over countryside and symbol of city-states power

Fresco of Good and Bad Government

• illusionistic panorama of cities

• glorified rule of “the nine” Siena’s governors

• good government - dancing in street, lavish clothes, repaired buildings, merchants holding goods

• bad government - dead trees, no crops, building in disrepair, illness, bound prisoners

Maesta

• Mary as protector of Siena

• religious, Mary under canopy, holding Jesus, surrounded by saints and angels

• no delineation between church and state

• gold background and compositional is Byzantine inspired

• relaxed strict formality and rigidity of figures from Byzantine art, soft, flowy clothes, French Gothic inspiration