4. BYZANTINE EMPIRE

4.1. WHAT WAS THE BIZANTINE EMPIRE?

The Eastern Roman resisted the germanic invasions, and preserved the Roman heritage.

It was known as the Bizantine Empire, and it lasted for another ten centuries. Its capital city was Constantinople.

4.2. JUSTINIAN, THE GREAT. The most important emperor was

Justinian. He ruled between 527 and 565 with his wife Theodora. His goal was restored the greatness of the old Roman Empire.

His armies conquered many territories and he took: Northern Africa (from Vandals) Italy (from Ostrogoths) Iberian Peninsula (from Visigoths)

5. ART AND RELIGION BYZANTINE AND VISIGOTHIC

5.1. BYZANTINE ARTHAGIA SOPHIA Justinian

ordered to built that church in the 6th century.

It is in Constantinople (current Instanbul)

It consisted on a central dome supported by 40 arched windows. In its interior was richly decorated with mosaics throughout the centuries. Central

DomeArched windows

Half Dome

Pillars

Interior of Hagia Sophia

They usually built churches with Greek-cross plan.

The mosaics decorate interiors describing people in solemn scenes, or representing the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

EmpressTheodora with her servants.

Interior church S. Vital of Ravena (Italy)

Pantocrator Christ

Kyriotissa Virgin with the child

5.2. VISIGOTHIC ART There aren´t so much

representations of art. A few churches, which were small

and built in regular masonry. The typical features of their

architecture are: horseshoe arch and vaults.

There is decoration on reliefs on the walls.

The main examples are: S. Pedro de la Nave, S. Juan de Baños, and Quintanilla de las Viñas.

Goldsmithing: Votive crown The most important evidence is the Treasure

of Guarrazar and Treasure of Torredonjimeno.

TREASURE OF GUARRAZAR

Recesvinto´s Crown