MW

2.1 PRES Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Cities: Overview

  • Course: URBS 110 - The City

  • Instructor: Dr. Beth A. Wielde

  • Institution: Heidelberg Urban and Regional Studies Institute, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Copyright Notice

  • Materials are for enrolled students only and include restrictions against distribution, reproduction, and online posting outside sanctioned LMS.

  • Emphasizes the importance of adhering to copyright laws.

What is the Byzantine Empire?

  • Emerged from the split of the Roman Empire in 285 CE by Emperor Diocletian.

  • Eastern Empire referred to as Byzantium; Western Empire as Rome.

  • Fall of Western Empire marked rise of the Byzantine Empire, which continued many Roman traditions.

Key Ideas

  • Breakup of Rome led to significant changes in urban structure.

  • City form elements:

    • Water delivery systems.

    • Sanitation and architectural developments (columns, domes, and support structures).

Monotheism and Christianity in the Byzantine Empire

  • By the 4th century CE, Christianity became central, with Emperor Constantine converting and establishing Constantinople as the capital.

  • Rome transitioned from polytheism to monotheism; churches became focal points in urban environments.

  • Jerusalem underwent significant transformation into a Christian city under Constantine, emphasizing the integration of worship spaces.

Decline of Technologies after Rome's Fall

  • Many technologies (e.g., aqueducts, concrete) declined post-Rome's fall in the West but were retained in the Byzantine Empire.

  • Aqueducts were targeted by invaders, leading to water supply challenges.

  • Visigoths played a role in disrupting and destroying key infrastructures like aqueducts.

  • Economic strain impeded maintenance capabilities of existing infrastructure.

Byzantine City Layout

  • Eastern Roman Empire maintained Roman urban planning (grid layout).

  • Byzantine military and civil structures reflected earlier Roman designs, but adapted to contemporary needs.

Byzantine Defense Mechanisms

  • Byzantine cities featured advanced fortifications including layered walls, moats, and guard towers.

  • Significant examples include Constantinople’s wall system, which was constructed around 413 CE, showcasing distinct military architecture compared to Romans.

Water Supply: Aqueducts and Cisterns

  • Byzantine aqueducts persisted, supplying water through underground pipes and cistern storage, vital for urban sustainability.

  • Cisterns designed for effective water storage were strategically located to manage supply, especially in cities with difficult terrain.

Architectural Significance of Cisterns

  • Representative cisterns include the Basilica Cistern and the Philoxenos Cistern, demonstrating sophisticated engineering and artistry akin to ancient structures.

Urban Infrastructure and Sanitation

  • Byzantines preserved advanced sanitation systems including large public sewers and private connections, contrasting with declining Western Roman practices.

  • Development of cesspits and public latrines supplemented sanitation efforts.

Key Urban Elements: Planning and Design

  • Byzantine cities showcased a revived grid system and maintained the use of the cardo and decamanus structure adapted to their needs (e.g., Mese in Constantinople).

Religious Architecture: Shift from Polytheism to Christianity

  • The rise of churches symbolized the Empire's religious shift, with artistic investments leading to splendid architectural designs.

  • A marked departure from Roman temples, Byzantine churches reflected unique styles like the cross-in-square plan.

Hagia Sophia

  • The most significant example of Byzantine architecture, demonstrating innovations like the ribbed dome and pendentive which facilitated dome placement on a square base.

  • The Hagia Sophia has survived numerous political and natural challenges since its initial construction under Justinian in 537 CE, exemplifying resilience.

Byzantine Churches: Architectural Innovations

  • Smaller churches emerged post-Constantine following the demand for humble places of worship, particularly as the Byzantine Empire expanded.

  • Interior artistry was prioritized with mosaics and frescoes, leaving modest exteriors.

Cultural Life: Beyond Religion

  • The Byzantine Empire preserved Roman cultural traditions, including public entertainment like chariot racing in the Hippodrome.

Nika Riots

  • Riots in 532 CE illustrated strong team loyalty and its political ramifications, demonstrating the overlap of sports and political allegiance in Byzantine society.

End of the Byzantine Empire

  • The final fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 to the Turks marked the true end of the Roman Empire's legacy.

  • Lasting influence of the Byzantine Empire is seen in religion, architecture, and urban planning, continuing to shape cities today.