What are the architectural features of Hagia Sophia?

It combined the traditional design elements of an Orthodox basilica with a large, domed roof, and a semi-domed altar with two narthex (or “porches”). The dome’s supporting arches were covered with mosaics of six winged angels called hexapterygon.

What architectural feature is found in the dome of the Hagia Sophia?

The Hagia Sophia, whose name means “holy wisdom,” is a domed monument originally built as a cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in the sixth century A.D. It contains two floors centered on a giant nave that has a great dome ceiling, along with smaller domes, towering above.

What architectural style was used in the building of the Hagia Sophia?

Byzantine architecture
Architectural Style of the Hagia Sophia

It was built in a grand Christian basilica style and is the most significant surviving example of Byzantine architecture.

What were some of the architectural innovations of the Hagia Sophia?

The interior of Hagia Sophia was innovative in its decoration as well. The interior is lined with enormous marble slabs which may have been chosen and designed to imitate moving water. The central dome is floated on a ring of windows and supported by two semi-domes and two arched openings.

What great architectural feature was created by Justinian?

As the capital’s cathedral and the most important church during the empire’s long history, the new Hagia Sophia rebuilt by Justinian set a standard in monumental building and domed architecture that would have a lasting effect on the history of Byzantine architecture.

What architectural feature was added to the Hagia Sophia after it became a mosque?

wooden minaret
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. After the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Mehmed II had it repurposed as a mosque, with the addition of a wooden minaret (on the exterior, a tower used for the summons to prayer), a great chandelier, a mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca), and a minbar (pulpit).

What architectural feature is found in the dome of the Hagia Sophia quizlet?

Used pendentives, comes down on a series of four arches where the space between the four arches and the dome form triangular, curved spaces. The architects hid the dorm piers that are supporting the weight of the dome.

What is Byzantine architecture known for?

Byzantine architecture is a style of building that flourished under the rule of Roman Emperor Justinian between A.D. 527 and 565. In addition to extensive use of interior mosaics, its defining characteristic is a heightened dome, the result of the latest sixth-century engineering techniques.

What are the characteristics of Byzantine architecture?

Byzantine structures featured soaring spaces and sumptuous decoration: marble columns and inlay, mosaics on the vaults, inlaid-stone pavements, and sometimes gold coffered ceilings.

What were the main architectural aspects that differentiate Romanesque architecture from Byzantine architecture?

Architecture. Combining features of Roman and Byzantine buildings along with other local traditions, Romanesque architecture is distinguished by massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers, groin vaults, large towers, and decorative arcades .

Why Byzantine architecture is the architecture of domes?

Domes were a characteristic element of the architecture of Ancient Rome and of its medieval continuation, the Byzantine Empire. … Pendentives became common in the Byzantine period, provided support for domes over square spaces.

What innovations did Byzantine architects develop?

Beginning with the basilica and central plans used by the Romans, Byzantine architects and designers made huge engineering innovations in erecting domes and vaults. The use of pendentives and squinches allowed for smoother transitions between square bases and circular, or octagonal, domes.

What architectural feature is found in the dome of the Hagia Sophia quizlet?

Used pendentives, comes down on a series of four arches where the space between the four arches and the dome form triangular, curved spaces. The architects hid the dorm piers that are supporting the weight of the dome.

What architectural device did the Byzantines use for the Hagia Sophia?

Pendentives
Pendentives to Support the Dome

The Hagia Sophia dome is supported by four pendentives that were built at each corner of the square base of the cathedral. The use of pendentives by Isidore marked the first large-scale incorporation of this constructive element, which became distinctive of Byzantine architecture.