10/19 10. Byzantium and Medieval Europe Free Online FlashCards

When was Hagia Sophia built under Justinian?

Hagia Sophia was built under Emperor Justinian between 532 and 537. Its dome, pendentives, marble, and mosaics created a symbolic interior associated with heaven.

What did the dome symbolize in a Byzantine church?

A Byzantine church’s dome symbolized the heavens and often displayed Christ as ruler of the universe.

What is an icon?

An icon is a sacred image representing Christ, the Virgin Mary, a saint, an angel, or a biblical event.

Who defended sacred images during the Iconoclastic Controversy?

Iconophiles defended sacred images, arguing that Christ’s physical visibility through the Incarnation made depicting him legitimate.

What is a tessera?

A tessera is an individual piece of stone, glass, ceramic, or another material used to make a mosaic.

What makes a manuscript illuminated?

An illuminated manuscript is a handwritten book embellished with painted decoration, ornament, initials, narrative scenes, or gold and silver.

What is a reliquary?

A reliquary is a container made to preserve, display, and honor a relic.

What is pilgrimage?

Pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place, undertaken for purposes such as healing, forgiveness, spiritual merit, contact with relics, or fulfillment of a vow.

Which architectural features identify Romanesque style?

Romanesque architecture is characterized by rounded arches, stone barrel or groin vaults, thick walls, heavy piers, and relatively small windows.

What is hierarchical scale?

Hierarchical scale uses size to communicate importance rather than physical distance; a significant figure may appear much larger than surrounding figures.

Which features distinguish Gothic architecture?

Gothic architecture is associated with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, larger windows, stained glass, and strong vertical emphasis.

What structural purpose did flying buttresses serve?

Flying buttresses transfer the outward pressure of vaults to external supports, helping Gothic buildings use taller, more open walls.