Etruscan - Byzantine - Essay Example

Roman architecture and Byzantine Architecture are two of the architectural styles that are somewhat similar yet different in so many aspects. Originating from these architectural styles are Pantheon from the Roman architecture and Hagia Sophia from Byzantine. Pantheon, which is located in Rome, is admired for its concept of space and the amazing feats of architecture that makes it stand out from the other architectural styles. A characteristic feature of this style is the use of arcuated (arches) and trabeated (straight or horizontal beams) construction.

It is also characterized by neighboring columns, superimposed and engaged, serves as an embellishment to the structure. Roman style is also characterized by an elevated high base steps rising to a deep portico which was a strong influence of the Etruscan style of architecture. Hagia Sophia, which is located in Istanbul formerly Constantinople, on the other hand, is one of the best examples of the Byzantine architecture. Although there are a lot of existing styles that concentrated on a religious theme, Byzantine architecture’s strong feature is that the structures built during this time were meant to glorify the church.

This style is set apart by great domes, smaller domes and half domes supported with pedentive, huge columns, round arches and abundant use of color, decorative and glass mosaics. Both architectural styles have a distinct characteristic that distinguish it from others. Pantheon has a top heavy appearance and an imposingly large entrance like most temples in this era. Hagia Sophia, however, is somewhat inviting. Although Byzantine also uses columns in their architectural design, the Roman style has more columns that somewhat overlaps each other just by looking at it.

Both structures made use of domes, the difference however was that Pantheon has only one while Hagia Sophia has several. Initially, Pantheon was believed to be created as a temple for the gods. It is said that the spherical origins of the structure itself is a symbol for the world and the universe and this in turn relates to the emperor’s power over the world. There are also 7 niches supposedly for altars and statues and was said to symbolize the then known seven planets. Hagia Sophia, on the other hand, was built as a church.

It became a formal place for the believers to worship instead of homes and catacombs. The decorations were lavish and some of the decorations were donated by Constantine himself. Hagia Sophia is characterized by immense spaces and lavish decorations. It is said that the interiors of the church to provide a holy space for the congregation to be in touch with the heavens and be free from diversion. The frescoes and mosaics portray the whole body of the church, starting from Christ, is meant to inspire the people and serve as window to the sacred world.

Pantheon, on the other hand, has been known to be a perfect space because the diameter of the rotunda is equivalent to its height. It is said that the reason for this was to suggest the geometrical symmetry and perfection in the perspective of a perfect universe or some would call is the vault of heaven. The massive space of the room stands for the heavens and when one is inside it, it is said that it is meant to make one feel small and unimportant like what one should feel in the presence of the gods and the Great Eye or the ocular (the only source of natural light of the dome) in it stands for the light and the life-giving sun.

Other examples of the Roman architecture is the Temple of Fortuna Virilis (also known as Temple of Portunus) in Italy and the Baths of Caracalla in Rome that also exhibit the use of arcuated and trabeated constructions while some of the structures that are of the Byzantine architecture is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy and Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica) in Italy which exhibit the same lavish interiors with abundance of colors and domes with same intricate designs mentioned in Hagia Sophia.

References: Ward-Perkins, JB. Roman Architecture. Rizzoli International Publications.1988 Christian, E. Byzantine architecture. Harmondsworth.1965