EARLY CHRISTIAN/BYZANTINE HOMEWORK
Answer the following essay in 2-3 well written paragraphs.
Many works of Early Christian and Byzantine art and architecture rely on Greek and Roman models for inspiration. Using at least two examples, show which aspects of the work are Greek or Roman in inspiration, and which are newly interpreted.
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Many works of early Christian and Byzantine art and architecture get inspiration from Greek and Roman models for inspiration. This is because of the massive role that Rome had played for the last 500 years. Roman civilization had been considered the greatest culture on earth for quite some time.
One example of this is the catacomb. The Byzantine catacomb is highly Romanesque. The Catacomb contains frescoes on the wall. These are very typical of the Roman period. There are also arches that are typical of Roman architecture. There are also the illusions of coffers. The coffers are typical of Roman ceilings.
The Hagia Sophia also takes a lot of inspiration from the Roman period. The Hagia Sophia takes the idea of more space and expands on it. The space within the cathedral is enormous. There are also many arches present within the Hagia Sophia.
Both early Christian and Byzantine art often borrow heavily from Roman culture. This is not a coincidence, the salvation religion of Christianity developed within Rome's empire and Byzantine was essentially an offshoot of the once great nation, a survivor society of sorts. However, the two branch off societies did not completely parrot Rome's accomplishments. The Byzantine Empire and the new Christian nations developed their own unique cultures and artworks as they expanded.
One example of obvious Roman influence in Byzantine/Christian architecture is the basilica. The basilica is a large building with a round extension called an aspe at each end. These structures also include a front room or atrium, a narthex or porch, and often complex doorways or portals. The Romans developed it for no specific purpose, just a general administrative building. However, it became an essential structure to the later Christian and Byzantine societies. Basilicas like the ill fated Old Saint Peter's Basilica were used extensively as churches. At first, they contained little exterior decorations, however, later in history, they become far more ornate.
Other religious buildings of Christian/Byzantine innovation, and not Roman influence, were also utilized. There were Central-plan, specifically Greek-cross plan (named for its shape) that were also used. Instead of churches, however, these new structures were designated to be martyr's shrines, baptismal structures, and tombs. The Greek-cross plan included two identical arms crossing in their centers; it also includes aspes and atrium, like the basilicas. Although internal elements of Central-plan buildings included much Roman influence, like columns and possible arches, the architectural structure itself was primarily invented by the Byzantines/early Christians. Overall, the citizens of the Byzatine empire and early followers of the Christian religion combined both Roman techniques and new ideas to create structures to promote their faiths and ideas.
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