Medieval Architecture

A typical Byzantine church is constructed from brick and features a

great central dome, which may be encircled with smaller domes and half-

domes.

The Hagia Sophia demonstrates one possible version of the central-

plan layout. Another version is the cross-in-square plan, which takes the form

of a Greek cross with the spaces between the arms "filled in"; the roof over

these spaces is set at a lower level than over the cross.

Byzantine art and architecture is found in the lands surrounding the eastern

Mediterranean. The Byzantine culture sphere did extend, however, to parts

of Italy, most famously the cities of Ravenna and Venice (both of which lie on

the east coast of northern Italy).

The early Dark Ages (ca. 500-750) witnessed the Germanic adoption of

Roman architecture. The transition to medieval architecture (i.e. the

transformation of Roman architecture with intricacy and verticality) made little

headway during this period.

Much of the chapel interior remains firmly classical, including round arches

and Corinthian capitals. The verticality of the dome and the overall structure,

however, is strikingly Germanic: classical proportions are never so tall and

thin. Later additions to the original chapel have resulted in the much larger

structure of Aachen Cathedral.

The Carolingian

Empire was succeeded by the Holy Roman Empire, which assumed cultural

leadership of the West during its first century (ca. 950-1050), known as

the Ottonian age. The Ottonians absorbed and developed upon Carolingian

culture; consequently, Ottonian churches also feature basilica and Latin cross

layouts, boosted vertical proportions, and towers.

Gothic cathedrals may be divided into two groups: those with spires and those

with plain towers. Along with Chartres, the most famous examples of the

former type include Cologne Cathedral (Germany) and Salisbury

Cathedral (England).

Rouen Cathedral, with its labyrinthine facade and soaring tower, is perhaps

the foremost representative of Late Gothic. Rouen's crossing tower is a

stunning example of an openwork spire

 Greek Architecture

Temples Greek temples were grand buildings with a fairly simple design. The

outside was surrounded by a row of columns. Above the columns was a

decorative panel of sculpture called the frieze. Above the frieze was a triangle

shaped area with more sculptures called the pediment. Inside the temple was

an inner chamber that housed the statue of the god or goddess of the temple.

The most famous temple of Ancient Greece is the Parthenon located on the

Acropolis in the city of Athens.

REFLECTION
Medieval architects created castles with fortified walls, reinforced windows,

and special battlements which could hide and disguise archers during battle.

The Middle Ages were ever-changing, a fact perfectly demonstrated in the

distinctive periods and the changing architecture.

Medieval architecture is architecture common in the Middle Ages, and

includes religious, civil, and military buildings. Styles include pre-

Romanesque, Romanesque, and Gothic. While most of the surviving

medieval architecture is to be seen in churches and castles, examples of civic

and domestic architecture can be found throughout Europe, in manor

houses, town halls, almshouses, bridges, and residential houses.

Ancient Greek architecture came from the Greek-speaking people whose

culture flourished on the Greek mainland, the Peloponnese, the Aegean

Islands, and in colonies in Anatolia and Italy for a period from about 900 BC

until the 1st century AD, with the earliest remaining architectural works dating

from around 600 BC.

Greek houses of the Archaic and Classical periods were relatively simple

in design. Houses usually were centered on a courtyard that would have been

the scene for various ritual activities; the courtyard also provided natural light

for the often small houses.