EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 5 -GATE ARCHITECTURE TUTORIAL

Summary

This video offers an educational journey through the history of Early Christian and Byzantine architecture. Starting with the emergence of Early Christian architecture around 580 AD, the video explores its Roman influences, architectural elements like basilican, Greek cross, and Latin cross designs, and distinctive structures such as cathedrals, campaniles, and baptisteries. Transitioning to Byzantine architecture, which began around 550 AD, it highlights the evolution of dome construction and the adaptation of previous architectural styles. The video emphasizes the practical and ornamental aspects of these architectures, such as the use of domes and mosaics, aiming to help viewers easily differentiate and understand these historical styles.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Early Christian architecture began around 580 and marked the beginning of truss usage, such as king post and queen post trusses.
• 🏟️ The architectural style was initially less developed and heavily influenced by Roman architecture, with three main types: basilican, Greek cross, and Latin cross.
• 🛕 Basilican churches were modeled after Roman temples and dedicated to specific saints, with a focus on worshippers rather than deities.
• 🏢 Early Christian structures included cathedrals, campaniles (towers), and baptisteries, which were separate buildings for baptism practices.
• 🎨 Fine sculptures and mosaics were incorporated into new basilicas, with specific architectural elements like atrium, ambulatory, narthex, nave, aisles, transept, and apse.
• 🕍 Byzantine architecture, which started around 550 A.D., is characterized by the development and use of domes, which replaced the truss system.
• ⚓️ The basic construction system in Byzantine architecture involved classic columnar style with various types of domes and semicircular arches resting on columns and capitals.
• 🏙️ There were three types of domes used in Byzantine architecture: simple, compound, and pendentives, each with distinct characteristics and construction methods.
• 🌉 The Hagia Sophia is a prime example of Byzantine architecture, featuring a squarish plan with a large dome and windows at the springing level.
• 🏰 Saint Mark's in Venice is another example of Byzantine architecture, showcasing the style's influence and adaptation in different regions.
• 📚 To understand the history of architecture, it's essential to remember the basic points and styles, which will make it easier to differentiate and recognize various architectural periods.

Q & A

When did early Christian architecture begin?

Early Christian architecture began around 580 AD.

What was a significant feature in the development of early Christian architecture?

The beginning of the use of trusses, specifically king post and king post trusses, was a significant feature in the development of early Christian architecture.

How did early Christian architecture differ from Roman architecture in terms of focus?

While Roman architecture focused on the god as the main character, early Christian architecture concentrated more on the worshippers.

What are the three main structures found in early Christian architecture?

The three main structures in early Christian architecture are the cathedral, the campanile (tower), and the baptistery.

What is the term for the tower in early Christian architecture?

The tower in early Christian architecture is called a campanile.

What is the name of the main entrance area in early Christian church plans?

The main entrance area in early Christian church plans is known as the atrium.

When did Byzantine architecture start?

Byzantine architecture started around 550 AD.

What is the key feature of Byzantine architecture?

The key feature of Byzantine architecture is the use of domes, which became a central element in their design.

What are the three types of domes used in Byzantine architecture?

The three types of domes used in Byzantine architecture are simple, compound, and special domes.

What is the name of the decoration above the main statue or altar in a Byzantine church?

The decoration above the main statue or altar in a Byzantine church is known as a baldachin.

What is the significance of the windows at the springing level of the dome in Hagia Sophia?

The windows at the springing level of the dome in Hagia Sophia allow light to enter and create a unique interior atmosphere, which is a special feature of Byzantine architecture.

Which famous historical building is an example of Byzantine architecture?

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a famous historical building that exemplifies Byzantine architecture.

Outlines

00:00

🏛 Early Christian Architecture Overview

This paragraph introduces early Christian architecture, which began around 580 AD. It emphasizes the use of truss systems like king post and king posters. The architecture was initially of less architectural value and heavily influenced by Roman styles. Three types of structures are identified: basilican, Greek cross, and Latin cross. The basilican type is modeled after Roman temples and is dedicated to a particular saint. The paragraph also describes the components of a church, including the cathedral, campanile (tower), and baptistery (for baptisms). It outlines the parts of a church plan, such as the atrium, ambulatory, narthex, nave, aisles, transept, and apse. Additionally, it discusses the use of catacombs for burials as an alternative to cremation and the development of special architectural features like the baldachin above the altar.

05:03

🏟 Byzantine Architecture and Domes

The second paragraph delves into Byzantine architecture, which started around 550 AD. It highlights the development of domes as a key feature, with the dome replacing the truss system and becoming a signature style of Orthodox churches. The plan of Byzantine churches is centralized and domed, with a construction system that includes various types of domes: simple, compound, and pendentives. The simple dome is part of a single sphere, while the compound dome consists of separate spheres for the dome and pendentives. Pendentives are triangular sections that help support the dome, and squinches are used to elevate a dome over an octagonal base. Special domes include melon-like shapes or onion or bulbous designs. The paragraph also mentions the famous example of Hagia Sophia, with its squarish plan and notable windows at the springing level of the dome, which is a distinctive feature of Byzantine architecture.

10:04

📚 Recap and Key Points for Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture

The final paragraph serves as a recap, summarizing the key points from the discussion on early Christian and Byzantine architecture. For early Christian architecture, it reminds viewers to remember the entrance from the west, central atrium, ambulatory space, narthex, nave supported by aisles, transept, and apse. It also notes the development of king post and pin post trusses. For Byzantine architecture, the focus is on the types of domes: simple, compound, and special. The paragraph encourages viewers to practice and differentiate architectural styles, making it easier to understand and recognize them. It concludes with a message of thanks and well wishes.

Keywords

💡Early Christian architecture

Early Christian architecture refers to the architectural style that emerged around 580, marking a transitional period influenced heavily by Roman architectural traditions. In the video, this style is described as having begun the use of structural elements like trusses and having basic types of church layouts such as the basilican plan. The architecture focused less on aesthetic values initially and more on functional, worship-centric designs, adapting Roman temples into Christian churches dedicated to saints.

💡Basilican

The basilican design is a fundamental type of church layout in Early Christian architecture, characterized by its longitudinal plan, typically with a central nave flanked by aisles, a semicircular apse at one end, and an atrium at the entrance. The video explains that basilican churches were modeled after Roman temples and often built over the burial places of saints, highlighting the shift from Roman emphasis on gods to Christian focus on worship and commemoration of saints.

💡Truss

A truss is a structural framework of timbers designed to support a roof, bridge, or other structures. In the context of Early Christian architecture, as described in the video, the introduction and development of trusses, specifically king posts, represent a significant technological advancement from the earlier Roman period, allowing for more expansive and durable roof structures in church buildings.

💡Campanile

A campanile is a free-standing bell tower commonly associated with a church or cathedral. The video mentions campanile as one of the three main structures typical of Early Christian architecture, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes, marking the skyline, and calling the faithful to worship.

💡Baptistry

A baptistry is a part of or a separate building adjacent to a church, specifically used for the Christian rite of baptism. As detailed in the video, baptistries are significant in Early Christian architecture, often large and separate, underscoring the importance of baptism as a sacrament and a communal event during significant religious festivals like Easter.

💡Byzantine architecture

Byzantine architecture, which started around 550 AD, is known for its significant use of domes and an evolution of the Early Christian architectural styles. The video explains that Byzantine architecture developed distinctive features such as centralized plans and domical construction, heavily influencing the design of Orthodox Christian churches.

💡Dome

In Byzantine architecture, the dome became a central element, symbolizing the heavens and the divine. The video outlines different types of domes used in Byzantine construction, such as simple, compound, and special domes, each contributing to the grandeur and spiritual ambiance of the religious buildings.

💡Greek Cross and Latin Cross

These terms refer to the ground plans of churches in Byzantine architecture. The Greek Cross plan features a central square with four equal-length arms, while the Latin Cross plan has a longer central body and shorter arms. The video uses these terms to illustrate the diversity of church designs in Byzantine architecture, contrasting them with the simpler basilican plan of Early Christian structures.

💡Catacombs

Catacombs, mentioned in the video, are underground cemeteries that were extensively used by Christians for burials in the face of land scarcity and prohibitive costs. These were often adorned with Christian symbols and artwork, emphasizing a belief in resurrection and eternal life, reflecting the early Christian community's values and practices.

💡Clerestory

Although not explicitly mentioned in the video, the concept of clerestory windows is often integral to basilican and other Early Christian church architectures. These are high windows above eye level, designed to bring light into the nave, enhancing both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the church interior.

Highlights

Introduction to Early Christian and Byzantine architecture.

Origins of Early Christian architecture around 580 AD.

Development of architectural features such as the truss, specifically the king post.

Influence of Roman architecture on Early Christian styles.

Explanation of the basic church types: Basilican, Greek cross, and Latin cross.

Significance of church dedication to saints, such as Saint Mark in Venice.

Comparison of Greek and Roman temples to Christian churches in terms of patron focus.

Key structures in Early Christian architecture: cathedral, campanile, and baptistry.

Detailed description of the church layout including the atrium, ambulatory, nave, and transept.

The function and architectural separation of baptistries in church complexes.

Transition to Byzantine architecture starting around 550 AD.

Introduction of domes in Byzantine architecture, replacing the truss system.

Classification of domes in Byzantine construction: simple, compound, and special.

Detailed exploration of Hagia Sophia as a premier example of Byzantine architecture.

Distinctive architectural advancements in Byzantine compared to Roman styles, focusing on dome construction.

Transcripts

[Music]

hey guys welcome back to my channel

so in this video we will be learning

about early christian architecture

and byzantine okay so early christian

architecture started around 580

so let's straightly look at the

architectural character

so the early christian architecture was

the beginning of use of

truss okay so king post and king posters

really began to develop during the early

christian architecture

okay so it had less architectural value

at the beginning and it was highly

influenced by the roman which was the

previous period

okay so there are three types that is

basilican

greek cross latin cross so basilican

charges are the basic

types okay so it took roman temple as

its model

usually directed over the barrier place

of the saint it was dedicated to

so whatever saint like saint

mark venice or whatever the example is

so each each and every church was

dedicated to a particular saint

so greek and roman temples are sheltered

to god christian

christian church was sheltered to its

worshippers

so during greek and roman period the god

was the main

main character while churches began to

concentrate more on worship person

so early christian architecture consists

of three structures cathedral

campanile and baptist tree okay

campaigner is the tower

and baptist tree is a sub-service

baptism is practiced

so fine sculptures and mosaics walked

into new basilica

there were entrance at rest prey stood

behind or returned

so let's look at the basic parts

this is entrance from the west okay

so the central uh courtyard is known as

atrium

while the paths surrounding the

courtyard is known as ambulatory

okay the first horizontal

division is known as northex then comes

the main walkway that is

uh nail okay and the side walkways are

known as high

so there is next comes the concept

this part the origin and the vertical

part where it intersects it is known as

transect

okay and this end the curvature end is

known as epsilon

and this part is known as beam okay

so let's understand this in plan so

entrance from the west there is an

atrium this surrounding is known as

ambulatory okay the surrounding path is

known as ambulatory

the first horizontal division is northex

then comes

at the central walkway that is name and

the sidewalkways are known as

rather and the main

division the intersection between

horizontal and vertical is known as

transect

and beam on there is upside down okay

so these are the main parts that you

need to remember

in early christian architecture

so now let's look at baptist trees okay

baptist is used only for practice of

baptism

or on festival or on easter okay

these are generally large separated

buildings which are placed away from the

church okay

they are separate buildings the church

and the baptistry are separate buildings

okay

a part of church and a separate building

in which baptism is administered

is the basic definition of what

baptistry is

okay and then comes storms or catacombs

christians objected to cremation instead

of burial on consecrated ground

land for burials had become scarce and

expensive

monumental terms become expressions of

faith in mortality so

they began to develop toms okay

symmetries or catacombs were excavated

below ground

usually domed or enriched lavish mosaic

decorations

okay so this is the ornamental canopy of

stone

made up of marble so they are decorated

decoration above the decoration above

the where the main statue is press

or present of the jesus okay so the

decoration above it

it is known as biology okay that is

an important term biology okay so this

bad action is

decoration decoration above

the altar decoration decorative

above alter okay

this is main belt known

so this was all about early christian

architecture

so there's not more not much to learn

this

only you need to remember these parts

okay ambulatory atrium north x

i'll name epsilon and this part

where the vertical and the horizontal

intersects

is known as transect

all right thumbs up

so let's carry on further with byzantine

architecture

so byzantine architecture started around

550 a.d

right so during the early christian

architecture

uh roof trusses were developed that is

king pushed and being post

and during byzantine architecture the

main key word is

dom okay so domes were developed

right so the first building constructed

where churches

dumped early christian and new domical

byzantine sites is about domical so

there were

use of domes byzantine is still official

style of an orthodox church

so please refer to byzantine

greek cross and latin cross okay this is

a greek cross

and this is a latin cross church okay

so these are the types of charts that

i've forgotten to mention it earlier

so by silicon plan it is very similar to

a planning of an

early christian search okay mainly it

was centralized

during byzantine and it was domed so the

plan was centralized and domed and

basic planning was dependent on early

christian architecture

so construction system is domical

construction

with called classic columnar style domes

of various

types and pendant tails were used there

were semicircular arches

okay rest directly on columns and

capitals

so it was like this this was column

and there were capitals of columns and

semicircular arches were

resting on it so this was the basic

style

the first construction system that was

used

then comes dome the dome was the

prevailing and

was the prevailing most of byzantine

architecture practice

okay it replaced the truss system

okay it mainly involves domes

so there are three types of domes simple

compound and

special a simple dome which looks like

it

where pendant use and domes are part of

a same sphere

okay see this is one particular sphere

if you imagine a sphere over here

it will look something like this so this

pendant tubes

and this dome are a part of an same

sphere

okay but in compound or dome

that do the dome and pendant you rise

independently

so this is part of one sphere and this

is another sphere

okay so they develop independently

so this one is pendant and this one is

the dome

okay as you can see in this picture it

is this it is

written as pendant okay

so this part this triangular portion

okay

it is known as pendant and here it is

written as

quince okay it is written as quenches

so it is basically developing a dome

with an octagonal base one two three

four

orthogonal base right so developing a

dome

in an octagonal base it is known as

switches okay so these are this is the

difference between pendant tubes and

switches

so then there are special domes with

melon like dome serrated

onion or bulbar stones okay

so these are the three types of domes

which are used in byzantine architecture

so let's look at the examples the main

example is hagia sofia

when you see the hardness of your plan

it is something squarish

with each side measuring 31 meter

okay there is construction of domes and

see one interesting point here in

this highest of your dome there are

windows at the

projecting level or spring level okay

so there are windows right here

okay so this is the speciality of

association where in roman

pantheon you saw oculus at the top so

there was some

hollow thing opening at the top okay so

when you see in section it

looks like this okay so this was

in roman pantheon and uh

this is in aya sofia right

so it was built by trailers and esodoras

of milliliters

okay so perfect example of an byzantine

style

it was later converted into a mosque

so these are the there is another

example that is

saint mark okay

and venice

okay so all these are examples of

byzantine architecture

so all you need to remember in from this

video is the parts that we saw

and for early christian there was

entrance from the west

there was central atrium okay and then

there was ambulatory space

then comes the north x that is the first

horizontal

then comes nav supported by asyl

surround

hail around then comes transect beam

over here and an epsilon okay

so this is what you need to remember for

early christian

where king post and pinpost trust well

developed

and for byzantine you need to remember

the types of domes

so there were three simple compound

and special domes okay so these were the

types of domes that were

used during byzantine construction

okay i hope you understood this video

this was a very simple video

all the history history of architecture

videos are basically

not like mugging up on all you just need

to remember the basic points and

you need to figure out the style okay so

once you start

differentiating the style it will be

very easy for you okay

so keep on practicing all the best take

care of yourself

thank you