BYZANTINE AND ROMANESQUE
General Overview
Key Context: The Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles developed on different sides of the world but intersected during specific historical periods, particularly noted in the 9th, 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries.
BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE
Historical Context
New Capital: The establishment of Constantinople as the new capital in 330 AD led to the creation of two distinct Roman Empires.
Architectural Influences: The architecture of this period was characterized by Mediterranean influences amalgamated with Roman design sensibilities, leading to the development of the Greek Cross.
Architecture Style: Byzantine architecture bore strong resemblance to Roman architecture, often seen as a derivative or homage to the earlier Roman designs.
The Fall of the Roman Empire
Events Leading to Change: The fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century necessitated a change of capital to Constantinople, largely due to the sacking of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD under Emperor Constantine. This marked a transition as parts of Greece and Turkey became integrated into the Eastern Roman Empire.
Political Turbulence
Crusader Invasion: In 1210 AD, French and Venetian Crusaders invaded under the rule of Alexios Angelos. Following his overthrow, the capital saw significant instability, damaging medieval art and literature.
Transition to Ottoman Rule: Ultimately, the Ottoman Empire brought about the end of the Roman Empire in 1413 AD.
Religious Turmoil
Suppression of Christianity: Following the fall of Constantinople, Christianity was outlawed, leading to wars spanning global and local scales, contributing to chaos.
Sacred Architecture: Churches were often repurposed from previous Roman temples, utilizing the earlier structures to establish new functions aligned with Christian faith.
Use of Former Temples: With the rise of Islamic influence in the region, many churches were converted into mosques, showcasing the changes in use and religious dynamics.
Notable Examples of Byzantine Architecture
Hagia Irene: Located in Istanbul, exemplifies the Byzantine grandeur.
Hagia Sophia: A significant architectural accomplishment in Turkey, representing the zenith of Byzantine architecture.
UNDERGROUND CITIES
Cappadocia and Midyat
Natural Stone Structures: These cities were crafted from local geological materials such as ignimbrite (igneous rock) in Cappadocia and limestone in Midyat.
Design and Functionality: They served protective yet functional purposes, providing essential agricultural and economic resources underground.
Artisan Contributions: Artisans carved their designs directly into the rock formations, ensuring provisions for ventilation and sanitation.
ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE
Historical Context
Era: Spanning from the 9th to the 12th century, known as the Medieval Period or the Dark Ages.
Architectural Characteristics: The Romanesque architecture reflects Christian Roman sensibilities with the Latin Cross plan as a standard design choice.
Geographical Influence: Predominantly seen in surviving examples of churches across Northern and Western Europe.
Architectural Focus
Purpose of Design: This style concentrated on fortification, survival, and security, often represented through existing structures like churches, castles, and drawbridges.
Key Features: Notable traits included a simple elegance with solid, heavy buttressing, creating hierarchical compositions.
Architectural Forms
Typical Architectural Features
Arch
Description: Primarily decorated with semi-circular forms in plans, windows, and arches.
Example: Pisa Cathedral and Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy.
Tympanum
Description: Decorated semicircular forms placed above the main entrance (porta sancta).
Example: Saint Lazare Cathedral or Autun Cathedral, France.
Clerestory
Description: High windows situated near the ceiling to allow light while maintaining security.
Example: Basilica of Saint Sernin, Toulouse, France.
Tower or Spire
Description: Vertical structures often housing bells, serving as lookout points against incoming attacks.
Examples: Bell tower of Angoulême Cathedral, Charente, SW France; Church of Sant Climent de Taüll, Spain; Basilica of San Frediano, Lucca, Italy.
Monastery with Cloisters
Description: Quarters of monks built adjacent to churches, typically featuring inner courtyards with covered arcades.
Example: Mosaïc Abbey, France; Romanesque cloister of Santo Domingo de Silos, Spain.
Additional Features
Arcade
Description: A series of columns primarily for decorative purposes – from decorative pathways to external facades.
Example: Blind Arcade, Canterbury Cathedral, England; Church of San Esteban, Segovia, Spain.
Grotesque
Description: Carvings of mythical creatures or animals, often found atop column capitals and along exteriors.
Examples: Grossmunster Church, Switzerland; Saint Martin de Tours de Fromista, Spain.
Barrel and Groin Vaults
Description: Innovations that allowed wider aisles and massive church designs.
Examples: Barrel Vault, Basilica of Saint Sernin, France; Groin Vault, Abbey Church of Saint-Etienne, France.
Latin Cross Plan
Description: An evolved plan reflecting the Christian faith, deriving from Byzantine architecture and Roman temples.
Example: Abbey Church of Saint-Foy, Conque, France.
Notable Examples of Romanesque Architecture
Romanesque House: Istria, Croatia
Tower of London: Established in 1078, London, England
Senanque Abbey: Monastic, founded in 1148, France
Trier Cathedral: Built in 1270, Germany
Church of the Holy Sepulchre: 11th-century reconstruction, France
Cerisy Abbey: Founded in 1032, Normandy, France
Abbey of Saint-Pierre Moissac: 12th-century renovation, France
Notre Dame de Puy: Constructed in the 13th century, France
Peterborough Cathedral: Built in 1238, England
St. Michael's Hildesheim: Founded in 1022, Germany
Malmesbury Abbey: Built in 1160, England
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral: Construction completed in 1211, Spain
Autun Cathedral: Established in 1146, France
Modena Cathedral: Completed in 1319, Italy
Ely Cathedral: Location in England
Notes:
These architectural styles represent a significant evolution in design, construction, and religious significance, showcasing historical narratives through their structures and serving as reflections of the socio-political environments in which they were created. Each building and design choice made during these periods carries with it stories of conflict, transition, and enduring faith.