Byzantine Architecture

527 – 565 AD
 Eastern Roman Empire
• Constantine was the first Christian Roman Emperor.
•  Between 324 and 330, Constantine built a new
imperial capital at Byzantium which would be
named Constantinoplefor him.
• The architecture of Constantinople was Christian
architecture.
• Constantinople contained churches within the city
walls and had no pre-existing temples from other
religions.
 Roman Emperor Justinian
• The golden age (time when great tasks are
accomplished) of Byzantine architecture took
place under Justinian I.
• Justinian I ruled from 527 – 565 AD.
• He was the first emperor to design towns and
communities around the Christian church.
 Hagia Sophia (Church of the Divine Wisdom)

• This church is said to be one of the best

examples of Byzantine Architecture.

Exterior of Hagia Sophia

Interior Dome of Sophia Hagia

 Basilica of San Vitale
• The Basilica, or church, is one of the only
major church from the rule of Justinian to
survive intact.

The church is octagonal shaped

The interior is wonderfully decorated
and contains elements of Roman
with colorful mosaics.
and Byzantine architecture.
 Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Located in Venice, Italy, Saint Mark’s Basilica is a great
example of Byzantine architecture.
• Nicknamed the Church of Gold for its glittering gold mosaics.
 Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine located on
the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. 

The dome is made of It took seven years to cover the exterior of

aluminum bronze plates the Dome of the Rock with tiles.
covered with gold leaf.
Basilica du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre
The basilica complex includes a garden for meditation, with a fountain. The top
of the dome is open to tourists and affords a spectacular panoramic view of the
city of Paris, which is mostly to the south of the basilica.

Sacre-Coeur
Means sacred
heart in
English.

It’s white appearance

Is from the travertine
stone used to
construct the church.
 Wilshire Boulevard Temple
The temple houses one of the largest Jewish
congregations in Los Angeles.

The temple contains murals

Inspired by archaeological discoveries
Of figurative art in ancient temples.