Chapter 17 - The Byzantine Empire Flashcards
Ch 17: In essence, the Byzantine Empire was really just what and why?
The Roman Empire, 2.0 because the citizens considered themselves Roman.
Ch 17: Culturally the Byzantines were stable for 12 centuries with the exception of iconoclasm. What is it, and what’s it similar to today?
Sect that believes the use of religious images is heresy, similar to Pentecostals.
Ch 17: In the Middle Byzantine period, this cross was used as a plan (all four arms of the cross were of equal length).
Greek cross.
Ch 17: The greatest contribution of Byzantine architecture, from a structural standpoint, is the development of the _______ ______ perched upon a ______ _______.
Circular dome; square base.
Ch 17: The development of the dome over a square was achieved with a transitional structural element called a pendentive, which was what?
A triangular segment of vaulting which spans between the arch that support a dome above.
Ch 17: The most important artistic contribution of Byzantine architecture was the use of ______.
Mosaics.
Ch 17: Background colors for Byzantine mosaics are typically ______ with green grass, or _______.
Gold; blue.
Ch 17: Constantine’s mother, St. Helen, was said to have discovered this in Jerusalem.
Jesus’ cross.
Ch 17: The Roman emperor Honorius moved the capital of the Western Empire from Rome to _______.
Ravenna.
The Western Roman Empire was overthrown by the leader of the Ostrogoths, what was his name?
Odoacer.
Ch 17: Honorius’ sister usurped the rule of the Western Empire from her son, Valentinian. What was this kick-ass bitch’s name, and what was built for her?
Galla Placidia. The Tomba di Galla Placidia (mausoleum) was built for her.
Ch 17: These forms are usually semicircular recess in the church dome.
Apses.
Ch 17: 4 Evengelists are depicted in mosaics within the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe. Who are they?
John, Mark, Matthew, and Luke.
Ch 17: Due to low literacy rates, Byzantine art is both decorative and _________.
Functional.
Ch 17: Which structure was developed by 2 mathematicians?
Hagia Sophia
Ch 17: Why were massive buttresses aded to the Hagia Sophia?
To protect it from further damage by earthquakes.
Ch 17: What 2 structures are considered masterpieces of Byzantine architecture (one of which was developed by mathematicians)?
Hagia Sophia and St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica San Marco).
Ch 17: St. Mark’s Basilica has the greatest collection of _________; and it’s architectural style is a combination of _______ and _________ styles.
Mosaics; Byzantine and Romanesque styles.
Ch 17: St. Mark was buried in _________, but his body was stolen and returned to ______ where he was prophesied to be buried.
Alexandria; Venice.
Ch 17: The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat is more commonly known as what? Where is it?
St. Basils Cathedral, it’s in Moscow’s Red Square.
Ch 17: An architectural style called Saracenic, was mixed with what cultural styles?
Norse, Arab, and Byzantine.
