Thomas Beckman Ancient Islamic and Byzantine Architecture

Ancient Byzantine and Islamic Architecture

Architecture can be the face of any empire. Without it empires could not expand or even exist. Architecture is unique to each empire. The Byzantine empire was known for their mosaics and marble inlay for the interior. The Islamic empire was known for their use of calligraphy to enhance their interior. Two of the most famous buildings of each are the Hagia Sofia and Monastery of St. Catherine.

The Hagia Sofia is a perfect square that is 250’ x 230’. In the exterior rectangle was a 100' square. Its dome and half domes are its most recognizable features. They are held up by pendentives and massive piers that support the arches. The dome is 107'  in diameter and is 180' high. It is the Hagia Sofia's main attraction. It also looks to be floating because the supports are hidden in the dome. 

The Monastery of Mt. Catherine is one of the best known monastic establishments. It was built in the middle of the bear wilderness. It is located on the Sinai peninsula which is dominated by Mt. Sinai. According to biblical tradition, the tablets of law were given to Moses in the location where the monastery is built. Many factors make this building such a famous. The primary factor is how the monetary is located at the burning bush were Moses first encountered god.  

Outline

1. Islamic Architecture had over 10 different designs they used when both designing and building there structures. 

1. central fountains and courtyards.

         a. why were they used?

         b. when were they first used?

2. use of calligraphy

        a. used to convay power

        b. why were they used a lot

3. domes 

        a. why used to convey power

        b. how did they show power

2. Most of Byzantine Architecture was used to convey wealth.

1. Marble inlay.

      a. why used to convey health

      b. why needed to cover surfaces.

2. Basilicas

      a. what was the purpose

      b. how often were they used. 



Bibliography

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Long Road Sixth Form College, C.. N.p.. Web. 18 Dec 2013. <http://www.slideshare.net>.