Byzantine Art and Architecture

Objectives• The student will

demonstrate knowledge of the Byzantine Empire and Russia from about 300 to 1000 C.E. by:– Characterizing Byzantine

art and architecture, and the preservation of Greek and Roman traditions

• Essential Questions– What were the

contributions of Byzantine art and architecture?

– How did Greek and Roman culture survive within the Byzantine Empire?

Justinian’s Rule

• Under Emperor Justinian, the Byzantine empire experienced the first artistic and literary flowering of its own independent culture– Inspiration provided by

Christian religion and imperial power

• Justinian invested the enormous state budget in buildings of extraordinary magnitude

The Hagia Sophia

• Means “holy wisdom”• Built by Justinian.

– Greek Orthodox Church

• Largest dome in world at time.– Showed glory of God.

• Built with government money.

• Lots of light and open space– Colors reflect light,

produce “warmth”

• Hagia Sophia convinced Vladimir (Kiev) to convert to Christianity.– Vladimir thought

Byzantine God must be powerful!

Hippodrome• Held 60,000 spectators• Wild chariot races and

circus acts– Site of the Nika revolt in

532 C.E.

• Hippodrome comes from Greek words meaning “horse” and “racecourse”

Mosaics• Designs made by pieces

of stone, glass, etc.– Covered floors, walls,

ceilings.

• Usually religious or natural themes.

• Figures appear stiff (not real).

• Calm faces try to inspire reverence.

Justinian Theodora

Icons

• Best symbol of Byzantine Art

• Small religious picture used to help focus prayer.– Thought to have

sacred powers

• Depict Jesus, Mary, Saints, Angels

Achievements in Art and Architecture

Inspiration came from Christianity and to honor the power of the Byzantine Emperor

Icons were popular in Byzantine Art

Use of mosaics (glass collages) in both public and religious buildings

Most famous building “Hagia Sophia”

Characteristics of Byzantine Culture

Greco-Roman culture continues to flourish and Greek and Roman knowledge is preserved in Byzantine libraries

Greek is primary language

Form of Christianity practiced in Byzantine Empire is known as Greek Orthodox Christianity or Eastern Orthodox Christianity