Byzantine architecture

in the byzantine architecure, the first christian architecture appeared through

the first basilical plan. Thus, in the byzantine architecture, we had the birth of
longitudinal basilica plan. In the 4th century, the christianism has become an
official religion and thus the christians moved from private spaces to public
ones. The basilical monuments were not considered as temples since the
temple was not made to accomodate the public faithfuls but only the priests
or religious functions. the basilical plan, which was surrounded by a simple
brick wall, consisted of a single large space followed by an apse,without
internal division of naves. The basilics were perfectly clear, they lacked
columns and had vast portico at its entrace.
However, the basilic served double functions such as the house of gods and a
place to pray and court. The basilic's wall were thick to hold the heavy
constructions. The apse served as a function where people would exercise
justice and a place for divine aswell. The entrace would face the apse which
is preceeded by the alter of sacrifice. The apse was oriented toward the east
on contrary to the roman orientation. The church would be preceeded by a
square to hold and accomodate the christians.
Saint sophie is a holy christian basilica transformed into a mosque by the
ottomans and later it was converted into a musuem. Its a huge church and
considered one of the greatest masterpieces in the world of architecture. Its
central dome was contributed by two half domes. It consisted of 2 floors and
series of windows form the base of the dome. Its top was bright; meaning,
not a lot of darkness.
The dome was a major innovation in architecture and its weight was
supported by pendants. we notice the use of colors such as red, green, and
white; in addition to the usage of golden mosaic for decoration. The exterior
was simply coated to give clarity to the volumes of domes and vaults.