Apse

Romanesque and Gothic architecture, for me, is a very interesting topic as one style evolved from the other. Romanesque architecture is believed to have developed between the 6th and 10th century, while Gothic architecture arose in the 12th century. Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe, although in England, it is more often referred to as Norman architecture. It was the first style of architecture which stood out since the Roman Empire. Many of the Romanesque…

Introduction Cluny III is part of a Benedictine commune in Burgundy, France. Cluny is remarkable for several reasons, namely for the sheer size of its church. Its vast size secured it as the largest building in the world until the rebuilding of St. Peter’s, which was constructed to intentionally be a few inches larger than Cluny III. Due to its 1000-foot height, some even considered it to be the “angels’ courtyard” should the inhabitants of heaven “content themselves with our terrestrial…

Several religious movements and social movements as well as the rise of Christianity in this era, had a major effect on the world including the areas of architecture and design. The occurrence of these movements had a big impact and influence on design; The Great Schism and Protestant Reformation were some of the big movements of the late fourteenth century. These movements led to big changes in the Church doctrine that led to a mass affection in Europe. The architects respond to the changes…

The 14th century was an epoch of new artistic developments, new techniques and ideas spread through Italy. Artists were getting involved in a new naturalistic vision, leaving behind excessive ornamentation and intricate patterns in their work of arts in order to explore vividly the human emotions and solid bodies. Religious icons, passages and istoria were less seen as this humanistic idea started to spread through Europe. These changes allowed the 15th and 16th centuries emerge, bringing not…

Miniato al Monte in Florence (1062-90). Its structure shows a strong relationship with the classical features of early Roman architecture. It features a single pair of isles which flank the transeptless nave which leads up to a simple semi-circular apse. It has diaphragm arches grouping the alternating bays, with wooden trusses acting as support for the roof. It also has a façade which is particularly interesting. It includes arches, Corinthian half-columns and pilasters as well as a gable which…

As long as Egypt contains many areas that full of mountains, normally we found caves inside. The ancient Egyptians progressively enhanced these natural existed caves until they were buildings altogether, or until they appeared as buildings carved into the solid rock. The Egyptians used these caves in their worship. The god in the ordinary city-temples repeated the First Time when god emerged from the waters of chaos on the primeval mound. However, in the cave-shrine resembles the womb from which…

Cultures that are no longer alive and thriving are survived through their dead and the artifacts that can be found due to their funerary practices. Changes that occur in funerary practices reflect a transformation in the society. One of the extreme funerary transitions that occurred in the ancient roman period is from cremation to the practice of inhumation. This transition is in part due a change in religious practices from pagan to Christian. Funerary practices are a physical way to…

The Effects of the Third Ecumenical Council on the Representation of Marian Doctrine in the Fifth-Century Church According to Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia (2014), an ecumenical council was “assembly convened to deliberate and decide on ecclesiastical doctrine and on other matters affecting the interests of the Christian church.” In the Early church, ecumenical councils were called to discuss and expound upon the doctrine being formed within the church. They centered around heresy and…

The remains of Ancient Rome express the immense strength and power of the empire. Each structure had a unique purpose. The Roman population needed an abundance of fresh drinking water to thrive. The water from the Tiber River was not drinkable and rainwater was not bountiful enough to supply the city. In 312 BC, Censor Appius Claudius Caecus commissioned the first aqueduct, Aqua Appia. This aqueduct showed the power of the empire to provide water to the city in a fast and efficient matter. As…