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Bible Encyclopedias
Byzantine Architecture
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or is a name for the style of architecture introduced at Byzantium in the 5th century, derived from the Roman, but distinguished from it by the plans of the buildings, and by the general use of the dome or cupola. The plan of the Grecian or Byzantine churches was usually that of the Greek cross, with a large cupola rising from the centre, and smaller cupolas crowning the four arms. The arches were generally semicircular, sometimes segmental, or of the horse-shoe form. The capitals of columns were little more than square blocks, tapered downwards, and adorned with foliage or basket work. The doorways were commonly square-headed, with a semicircular, and occasionally, in later specimens, a pointed arch over the flat lintel. The Byzantine style had great influence on 'subsequent styles, both in England and on the Continent. The Gothic styles are derived quite as much from this as from the Roman.
This style prevailed through Christian Asia and Africa.' and extended to Sicily.
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