The Hagia Sophia is the hallmark of Early Byzantine architecture. Built under the rule of Justinian, the Hagia Sophia or "church of holy wisdom" originally functioned as a christian church, later converted to a mosque, and is presently a museum that hosts millions of visitors each year.
Byzantium
Sakarya, Turkey
Module 9 continues to trace the footprints of the original Roman Empire but through the lens of the Eastern influences that occurred in and around Constantinople. Called the Byzantine Empire, it refers to the original location of Constantinople called "Byzantium". Byzantine culture was the representative of eastern half of the Roman Empire and directly followed the fall of Rome and lasted until the 15th century. There are some stylistic and cultural anomalies that are most famously seen in Venice. While technically located in the "west" at that time, Venice was its own indepedent power and to this day, there are Byzantine influences present. For example, Basilica San Marco's rounded spires and its brilliantly golden mosaic interior.
Basilica of San Vitale
Basilica of San Vitale, Via San Vitale, Ravenna, Province of Ravenna, Italy
Visit the Opera di Religione della Diocesi Di Ravenna website where you can see “The Most Beautiful Mosaics in the World” at the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica of Sant'apollinare Nuovo and more!