The Byzantine style, which influenced the art of most Greek islands in terms of sculptures and paintings, started in the 7th century, in the Hellenistic world, and had a deep influence on medieval culture. The first Golden Age started in that century, and during that period, the greatest architectural works were performed.
This feature was due to the superior techniques that were implemented, as well as to the materials that were used.
For example, bricks and the stones were used for exterior coverings from the Roman and Oriental Early-Christian world, as well as the classic column as a support, among others. |
 |
the Byzantine architecture was the systematic use of the arched roof, especially the dome. These were built by concentric rows of bricks that formed a kind of crown of decreasing radio, exteriorly strengthened with mortar cement. This was implemented in the churches of this period, since was used as an allegory of the divine cosmos.
Regarding the options in terms of floor that characterised the Byzantine period, there are three main types. The first one belonging to the churches built in a temple style, which usually have a centralised floor that accords to the importance given to the dome.
However there are also many basilica floor types, and also the Greek cross-shaped ones.
These construction features had such a deep influence from the 7th century on, that the architecture became the predominating branch of the art of that period. |
|
This because the plastic representation imposed by the Byzantine art leaded to the oriental Christian models, as well as to the occidental ones in a period during which the classical shapes were almost disappeared because of the influence of the Barbarians.
In both cases, the Byzantine style has been the main source of traditional iconography as we know it today. |
Back:
Related: