The history of Byzantine architecture went through three periods, namely the early - from the 5th to the 8th century, the middle - from the 8th to the 13th century and the late - respectively, to the 15th century. The period of the highest prosperity dates back to the middle of the 6th century - to the time of the reign of Emperor Justinian.
Byzantine architecture as a whole is characterized by a synthesis of ancient and eastern traditions. She constantly strove to surpass Rome in its grandeur and luxury, therefore she gathered the best and most talented craftsmen. The transition from the ancient period to the Middle Ages was marked by significant changes in the fundamental foundations of architecture and culture as a whole. Anthropocentrism is being replaced by theocentrism, turning all areas of art into deeply religious servants of the church.
The architecture of Byzantium is represented mainly by structures that emphasized the power of state power and the church: palaces, triumphal arches, temples.
The most important achievement of Byzantine architecture are the cross-domed churches. Compositions of monasteries that escalate into a special type of structures enter the arena of high art during this period.
Arched vaulted structures passed from Rome to Byzantium by inheritance, but concrete equipment did not take root, it was replaced by stone and brick. Architectural structures were not overloaded with decorative elements. The walls were usually decorated with frescoes, mosaic paintings or marble slabs. Arcades were quite popular - rows of identical arches resting on columns, which were made smooth and monolithic with massive capitals. Due to the many arched openings in the dome, the effect of a sun flooded soaring over the temple was created.
The architecture of Byzantium is rich in buildings that are characterized by luxury and richness in the interior, which, due to its scale and vast space, do not put pressure on a person at all.
The most striking and outstanding example of arch-vaulted architectural structures is considered to be the Cathedral of Constantinople in Sofia. This domed basilica was built by famous Greek architects Isidore and Anthimius in the 30s of the 6th century.
This building is considered an example of architecture for future generations, and has significantly influenced the further development of not only Byzantine, but also world architecture.
The greatness of the divine principle in this temple is embodied by a giant dome, white marble columns and magnificent wall mosaics.
Byzantine architecture testified to a change in religious beliefs. From now on, the temple was not just a room for storing divine statues, but turned into a place of gathering and prayer for believers, for which the basilicas, which were used by the Romans as building for judicial sessions, were ideally suited. The interior of the temple has become much more important than the exterior.
The monumental buildings were mainly built of brick, which was fastened with mortar. Glass mosaics were used for cladding the vaults , and marble for floors and walls. A characteristic feature of the temples of Byzantine architecture was the construction of a dome to cover the vault. The dome was used in Rome, but it was located on a round building, and the Byzantines for the first time connected a square or rectangular shape of the building with a round element. The shape of the first domes was flatter than during the heyday of Byzantine temple construction.
The Byzantine style in architecture has greatly influenced the architecture schools of many countries. Its imprint can be traced in the temples of Sicily, Venice, Germany and France. Almost completely it was adopted by Russia, Georgia, Serbia, Armenia, laying the foundation of its architectural traditions.
Byzantine architecture absorbed very contradictory trends and trends, which made it a very complex and magnificent art. Here, abstract oriental motifs intertwine with new art forms and achievements, all this layered on the outline of architectural technology, which was laid down by the architecture of Rome.