Middle Ages: Byzantine

The Byzantine period lasted from 330-1453 C.E. The Byzantine Empire is the longest political entity in European history. It was a secular leadership and associated with the Eastern culture. It was influenced by the Greeks and Orient. Constantinople became the capitol of the Roman empire, which is current day Istanbul. Emperor Justinian came to power in 527 C.E. Christianity liturgy changed from procession of clergy down the nave to the celebration of Mass. The basilica plan changed to a more centralized plan. There was a combination of a dome from the east and the square base of the classical temple of the west. The newest architectural advancement was the domed basilica and pendentives.
The Hagia Sophia is the church of holy wisdom and was designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, who were geometricians. It was the main cathedral of Constantinople. It encompasses the idea of east meeting the west. It has a central plan with a circle of windows. The massive dome gives a sense of importance to the exterior. Hollow tiles were used for the dome, which collapsed 2-3 times during construction. The pendentive method of supporting a circular dome on a square base was utilized in the construction.
Byzantine architecture in Ireland utilizes multiple domes, central planning including Greek Cross Plan, round arches and arcades, mosaics- many with gold or lapis backgrounds, alternating stones colors or stone and brick, predominately brick, and pendentives. Impost blocks on columns, vaults, interiors divided into bays, separation of church interiors into church and nave, and romanesque, islamic and gothic architecture all based on byzantine design were also utilized.
Byzantine buildings that remain are churches or temples. Flooring was tiled in marble, and often in geometric designs. The floor tiles are more durable than the wall tiles. Surfaces on walls or ceilings are ornamented including marble, frescos, mosaics, and alabaster.

Past Examples:

Current Examples:

Extra Credit:
This is a video on the Hagia Sophia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOExHX45jLQ
This is a simple video explaining the Byzantine Empire:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_2E0RxVHH4

Peer Reviews:
Katie: I like that you included why the followers of this region were persecuted. It clears up confusion for some people that may have not understood the reasoning. I also like how you included the bit about how many current churches look similar to past ones.
Kiera: I think you did a very nice job of keeping your blog "short and sweet". You included all of the necessary facts of the time period, but kept it easy to read thorough and understand.