Early Christian and Early Christian and Byzantine ArtByzantine Art

Greeks, and especially Romans produced art Greeks, and especially Romans produced art that was very realistic. that was very realistic.

Remember the beauty of the Greek and Roman Remember the beauty of the Greek and Roman sculpturesculpture

Whereas, early Christian art was Whereas, early Christian art was more concerned with more concerned with Symbolic Symbolic

RepresentationRepresentation..

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian Art

Three key points of Early Christian Three key points of Early Christian Art:Art:

Symbolic- express a religious Symbolic- express a religious thought or ideathought or idea

Found on frescoed walls of Found on frescoed walls of catacombs outside Romecatacombs outside Rome

Acceptance of the Christian religion Acceptance of the Christian religion created a need for new architecture- created a need for new architecture- starting in the 4th centurystarting in the 4th century

First three hundred yearsFirst three hundred years Christianity began in the 1st century AD as Christianity began in the 1st century AD as

a Jewish sect but quickly spread a Jewish sect but quickly spread throughout the Greco-Roman world. throughout the Greco-Roman world. Although it was originally persecuted under Although it was originally persecuted under the Roman empire, it would ultimately the Roman empire, it would ultimately become the state religion. become the state religion.

Four decades later after Christ’s Four decades later after Christ’s crucifixion, in 70 CE the Roman Army crucifixion, in 70 CE the Roman Army attacked Jerusalem and destroyed the attacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish temple. Jewish temple.

The destruction of the Temple further The destruction of the Temple further disconnected the two groups and caused disconnected the two groups and caused them to spread out and travel to other them to spread out and travel to other lands. From this destruction emerged two lands. From this destruction emerged two main movements: rabbinical Judaism main movements: rabbinical Judaism centered in local synagogues, and the centered in local synagogues, and the Christian movement. Christian movement.

Christianity travelled to Rome, and Peter and Paul Christianity travelled to Rome, and Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome possibly in 64 A. D. (though were martyred in Rome possibly in 64 A. D. (though the place and date are not mentioned in the New the place and date are not mentioned in the New Testament). Supposedly, Peter was crucified by Nero Testament). Supposedly, Peter was crucified by Nero who blamed the Great Fire of Rome on the Christians who blamed the Great Fire of Rome on the Christians (which conveniently allowed him to build his new 100-(which conveniently allowed him to build his new 100-300 acres palace right in the centre of include a large 300 acres palace right in the centre of include a large lake, which was the future placement of the lake, which was the future placement of the Colosseum).Colosseum).

For 250 years Christians suffered from sporadic For 250 years Christians suffered from sporadic persecutions for their refusal to worship the Roman persecutions for their refusal to worship the Roman emperor, considered treasonous and punishable by emperor, considered treasonous and punishable by execution.execution.

Some feel, they needed some places to meet secretly.Some feel, they needed some places to meet secretly.

CatacombsCatacombs The The catacombscatacombs are the ancient are the ancient underground cemeteries, used by underground cemeteries, used by the Christian and the Jewish the Christian and the Jewish communities, above all at Rome. The communities, above all at Rome. The Christian catacombs, which are the Christian catacombs, which are the most numerous, began in the second most numerous, began in the second century and the excavating century and the excavating continued until the first half of the continued until the first half of the fifth.fifth.

Christians did not want to cremate Christians did not want to cremate their dead (as done by the Romans) their dead (as done by the Romans) due to their belief in bodily due to their belief in bodily resurrectionresurrection

In the beginning they were only In the beginning they were only burial places. Here the Christians burial places. Here the Christians gathered to celebrate their funeral gathered to celebrate their funeral rites, the anniversaries of the rites, the anniversaries of the martyrs and of the dead.martyrs and of the dead.

http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/storia.html

During the During the persecutions (until persecutions (until 313 A.D.), in 313 A.D.), in exceptional cases, exceptional cases, the catacombs were the catacombs were used as places of used as places of momentary refuge momentary refuge for the celebration of for the celebration of the Eucharist. They the Eucharist. They were not used as were not used as secret hiding places secret hiding places of the early of the early Christians. This is Christians. This is only a fiction taken only a fiction taken from novels or from novels or movies. movies.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD ORANTS and THE STORY OF JONAH

Fresco-A method of painting on plaster, either dry or wet (usually) In the latter method, pigments are applied to thin layers of wet plaster so that they will be absorbed and the painting becomes part of the wall.

The figure of the Good Shepherd The figure of the Good Shepherd resembles earlier shepherd figures in resembles earlier shepherd figures in pagan Classical art that represent pagan Classical art that represent benevolence and philantropy. benevolence and philantropy. Additional meaning would have been Additional meaning would have been ascribed to the figure by early ascribed to the figure by early Christian viewers in the context of Christian viewers in the context of Christ's phrase "I am the shepherd: Christ's phrase "I am the shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep," the sheep,"

The figure was not originally intended The figure was not originally intended as direct portraiture of Christ which as direct portraiture of Christ which would have been contrary to Old would have been contrary to Old Testament injunctions against idolatry Testament injunctions against idolatry

Exodos scene and Retrieving Moses from the Nile, Dura Europos synagogue, c. 250 CE, Syria.

http://www.arthistory.upenn.edu/smr04/101910/101910lecture9.html

13.Baptistry in Christian House, Dura Europos, miracles of Jesus, Dura Europos, 3rd cent. CE, Syria.

http://www.arthistory.upenn.edu/smr04/101910/101910lecture9.html

Dura-Europos ("Fort Europos") was a Hellenistic and Roman walled city built on an escarpment ninety meters above the banks of the Euphrates river. It is located near the village of Salhiyé, in today's Syria

http://www.le.ac.uk/ar/stj/dura.htm

www.philthompson.net/pages/icons/duraeuropos.html

SarcophagusSarcophagus- A coffin, usually of stone, - A coffin, usually of stone, although sometimes made of wood, metal, although sometimes made of wood, metal, or clay. In ancient times they were often or clay. In ancient times they were often decorated with carvings of the deceased decorated with carvings of the deceased or with some religious or mythological or with some religious or mythological subject. subject.

ConstantineConstantine           Constantine was the first Constantine was the first

Roman ruler to become a Roman ruler to become a follower of the Christian follower of the Christian religion.religion.

Before Constantine's reign Before Constantine's reign Christians were often punished Christians were often punished for their religious beliefs. for their religious beliefs.

This changed when Constantine This changed when Constantine gave religious freedom to all gave religious freedom to all Christians living in the Roman Christians living in the Roman Empire. He also allowed Empire. He also allowed members of the Christian members of the Christian Church to take part in the Church to take part in the Roman government. The new Roman government. The new freedom of worship helped freedom of worship helped spread Christianity into many spread Christianity into many regions of Europe. regions of Europe.

In A.D. 306, Constantine In A.D. 306, Constantine replaced his father as the replaced his father as the new ruler of the Western new ruler of the Western Roman Empire. Roman Empire.

Constantine, however, was Constantine, however, was not accepted as ruler by not accepted as ruler by everyone. He had to fight everyone. He had to fight many other would-be many other would-be leaders for his position. In leaders for his position. In A.D. 312 Constantine A.D. 312 Constantine defeated his last rival at the defeated his last rival at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Battle of Milvian Bridge. The victory made The victory made Constantine ruler of the Constantine ruler of the entire Western Empire. entire Western Empire. According to legend, it was According to legend, it was during the battle that during the battle that Constantine became a Constantine became a Christian.Christian.

Around A.D. 315 the Arch Around A.D. 315 the Arch of Constantine was built in of Constantine was built in Rome to celebrate Rome to celebrate Constantine's victory. Constantine's victory.

Arch of ConstantineArch of Constantine

Byzantine 324 C.E.Byzantine 324 C.E. The Byzantine Empire, founded when the The Byzantine Empire, founded when the

capital of the Roman Empire was transferred capital of the Roman Empire was transferred from Rome to Constantinople in 324 CE.from Rome to Constantinople in 324 CE.

Constantinople remained as the geographic Constantinople remained as the geographic and symbolic center of this cultural and and symbolic center of this cultural and political sphere until its conquest and political sphere until its conquest and collapse (1453).collapse (1453).

With the edict of Milan, promulgated by the With the edict of Milan, promulgated by the emperors Constantine 313 CE, the emperors Constantine 313 CE, the Christians were no longer persecuted. They Christians were no longer persecuted. They were free to profess their faith, to have were free to profess their faith, to have places of worship and to build churches both places of worship and to build churches both inside and outside the city, and to buy plots inside and outside the city, and to buy plots of land, without fear of confiscation. of land, without fear of confiscation.

After the death of Constantine in 337After the death of Constantine in 337, the , the Roman Empire was split into Eastern and Roman Empire was split into Eastern and Western EmpiresWestern Empires

The Western half declines and the eastern The Western half declines and the eastern half, with its capital in Constantinople (now half, with its capital in Constantinople (now Istanbul) flourished.Istanbul) flourished.

in 527 it gained further strength with the in 527 it gained further strength with the reign of Justinian (Golden Age of Byzantine)reign of Justinian (Golden Age of Byzantine)

Roman Empire -300 A.D.

Byzantine Empire- 500 A.D.

The early churches were called bThe early churches were called basilicasasilicas..

A basilica is an early type of Christian cathedral or church. Basilicas have a very open floor plan and high ceilings.

San Piero a GradoPisa. Italy

Santa Costanza, Rome, Italy ca 350

Outside of the churches may appear Outside of the churches may appear plain but they are filled with beautiful plain but they are filled with beautiful mosaicsmosaics (made of glass-tesserae) (made of glass-tesserae)

Much of Byzantine architecture was Much of Byzantine architecture was created to express religious created to express religious experience and mediate between the experience and mediate between the believer and Godbeliever and God

Therefore a high ceiling stressed the Therefore a high ceiling stressed the heavens above and created awe heavens above and created awe among it’s viewersamong it’s viewers

Light was also an important featureLight was also an important feature Gradually the exterior also became Gradually the exterior also became

imaginative with the onion-shaped imaginative with the onion-shaped domes of Russian churchesdomes of Russian churches

The Byzantine tradition of art and The Byzantine tradition of art and architecture lasted over 1000 yearsarchitecture lasted over 1000 years

Early Christian Early Christian BasilicaBasilica

Long brick building Long brick building with a timber roofwith a timber roof

connected to an connected to an atriumatrium (courtyard) in (courtyard) in the frontthe front

with a covered with a covered walkway around it walkway around it ((narthexnarthex))

led into the led into the navenave (central part of the (central part of the basilica) through two basilica) through two doors in the cornersdoors in the corners

side side aislesaisles on each on each side of the naïve, side of the naïve, separated with separated with columns usually columns usually taken from pagan taken from pagan templestemples

Clerestory windowsClerestory windows above columns to flood interior with light above columns to flood interior with light Apse- Apse- semi circular area at the front of the nave, above the apse a half semi circular area at the front of the nave, above the apse a half

domedome TranseptsTransepts were added in latter basilica’s to accommodate large crowds were added in latter basilica’s to accommodate large crowds CryptsCrypts were sometimes placed under the apse for the burial of clergy were sometimes placed under the apse for the burial of clergy

Early St. Peter’sBelow: reconstruction drawing of St. Peter’s, Rome c. 333-390 CE

plan of St. Peter’s, Rome right: elevation of interior of St. Peter’s Rome.

St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, Rome, 385 C.E

-interior (symbolized richness of spirit) highly decorated with mosaics of coloured glass and gold, and marble inlaid floors. -eighty granite columns in four rows direct the view to the triumphal arch (also covered in mosaics)-exteriors –plain brick

-alter placed on the raised portion, covered by a canopy of carved and painted wood called a baldachin-a triumphal arch separated nave from the apse, symbolized the victory of Christ over eternal death

Atrium and Narthex Atrium and Narthex St. Paul’s Outside the WallsSt. Paul’s Outside the Walls

Baldachin- St. Peter’s (Vatican) in Rome

plan and interior of church of San Vitale, brick, c. 540-547 CE, Ravenna.

Some churches followed a rotunda plan

SculptureSculpture- not much was produced and most have - not much was produced and most have been destroyedbeen destroyed

Archangel MichaelArchangel Michael -sixth century AD ,British -sixth century AD ,British Museum, LondonMuseum, London

Small ivory (42 cm)panel from a diptych. Draped Small ivory (42 cm)panel from a diptych. Draped figure of an archangel standing with orb in right figure of an archangel standing with orb in right hand, staff in left. hand, staff in left.

The Archangel or Saint Michael who appears on this The Archangel or Saint Michael who appears on this part of the part of the diptychdiptych is probably a literal copy (as to is probably a literal copy (as to details) of a much more ancient figure (perhaps the details) of a much more ancient figure (perhaps the goddess Victory [see Nike] from whom the Christian goddess Victory [see Nike] from whom the Christian angel is derived) the carver had before his eyes. angel is derived) the carver had before his eyes. Although the precision of the Archangel, his Although the precision of the Archangel, his classical robes and the architectural elements classical robes and the architectural elements framing the figure embody a focus on the realism of framing the figure embody a focus on the realism of antiquity.antiquity.

-the angel seems to hover over the staircase, barely -the angel seems to hover over the staircase, barely touching the stairs.touching the stairs.

Painstaking classical realism has been abandoned in Painstaking classical realism has been abandoned in favour of added emphasis on symbolism. favour of added emphasis on symbolism.

-architectural setting is symbolic and ornamental -architectural setting is symbolic and ornamental not realisticnot realistic

Golden Age Of Byzantine Golden Age Of Byzantine ArtArt

Hagia Hagia Sophia Sophia (Church of the (Church of the Holy Wisdom)Holy Wisdom)

Constantinople Constantinople (Istanbul), (Istanbul), 532-537 AD532-537 AD

stonestone Architects: Architects:

Anthemius of Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus Tralles and Isidorus of Miletusof Miletus

http://http://www.mcah.columbia.edu/www.mcah.columbia.edu/ha/html/ha/html/byzantine_turkey_hag_ahm_byzantine_turkey_hag_ahm_2.htm2.htm

Hagia Sophia is one of Hagia Sophia is one of the great architectural the great architectural triumphs of the ages. triumphs of the ages. Here, the architects Here, the architects have transported the have transported the enormous outward enormous outward thrust of the huge thrust of the huge dome through dome through features called features called pendentivespendentives, to four , to four great stone piers, great stone piers, which are not directly which are not directly beneath the dome. beneath the dome. The dome is used for The dome is used for the first time as a roof the first time as a roof over a square, rather over a square, rather than a drum, which than a drum, which was used in the was used in the Pantheon. Because the Pantheon. Because the supporting structure supporting structure is so inconspicuous, is so inconspicuous, the dome gives the the dome gives the illusion of being illusion of being magically suspended magically suspended above the nave. above the nave.

The minarets are The minarets are Turkish additions after Turkish additions after 14531453

The architects devised The architects devised a system where arches a system where arches were placed in the four were placed in the four walls and the circle of walls and the circle of the dome rests on the the dome rests on the four arches, a four arches, a pendentives pendentives is formed is formed in the four corners. The in the four corners. The massive weight of the massive weight of the dome is supported by dome is supported by this spherical triangle, this spherical triangle, which transfers the which transfers the thrust to the four huge thrust to the four huge piers that support it.piers that support it.

pendentive - A concave, triangular piece of masonry (a triangle section of a hemisphere), four of which provide the transition from a square area to the circular base of a covering dome. Although they appear to be hanging (pendant) from the dome, they in fact support it.

St. Marks –Venice-St. Marks –Venice-began 1063began 1063

•This is the largest and most lavish decorated church in the Second Golden Age•It was built to hold the body of St. Mark•It is based on a typical Greek cross plan•Each arm has a dome of it’s own•The exterior has many mosaics•Four horses formerly stood above the main entrance (they are now preserved in a museum)

The second church on this site was burned in a rebellion in 976, rebuilt in 978 and again to form the basis of the present basilica in 1063. Though straddling into the Romanesuqe era it is still considered a Byzantine design.

Fethiye Camii (Church of Fethiye Camii (Church of Pammakaristos), Interior view, ca. Pammakaristos), Interior view, ca.

1100, Istanbul (Turkey)1100, Istanbul (Turkey) http://www.mcah.columbia.edu/ha/rehttp://www.mcah.columbia.edu/ha/related_sites/fethiye_camii_360/html/1.lated_sites/fethiye_camii_360/html/1.htmlhtml

http://www.mcah.columbia.edu/ha/related_sites/fethiye_camii_360/index.html

Byzantine artByzantine art Byzantine art was very religious. Most Byzantine art Byzantine art was very religious. Most Byzantine art

was created for the Eastern Orthodox Church. Much was created for the Eastern Orthodox Church. Much Byzantine art was made by servants of the courts or Byzantine art was made by servants of the courts or members of religious orders. Most of these artists members of religious orders. Most of these artists remained anonymous. remained anonymous.

MosaicsMosaics and and FrescoFresco paintings covered the domes of paintings covered the domes of many churches. They were often made of precious many churches. They were often made of precious materials such as lapis lazuli, gold and silver. Byzantine materials such as lapis lazuli, gold and silver. Byzantine artists had to follow many rules about subject matter, artists had to follow many rules about subject matter, content, and form. Symbolic representation was very content, and form. Symbolic representation was very important in Byzantine art. The subjects appear flat and important in Byzantine art. The subjects appear flat and fairly abstract compared to the liveliness and fairly abstract compared to the liveliness and individualism of Western art because Byzantine artists individualism of Western art because Byzantine artists used little shading or other techniques that would have used little shading or other techniques that would have made their subjects more lifelike.made their subjects more lifelike.

MosaicsMosaics

Conveyed messages of salvation through Conveyed messages of salvation through mosaicsmosaics

They achieved an incredible degree of They achieved an incredible degree of expressiveness in this mediumexpressiveness in this medium

Roman mosaics were made of polished, Roman mosaics were made of polished, coloured stone, but Byzantine mosaics were coloured stone, but Byzantine mosaics were made of brightly coloured glass (tesserae) made of brightly coloured glass (tesserae) pressed into wet plasterpressed into wet plaster

The glass pieces were set on a slight angle to The glass pieces were set on a slight angle to reflect the light. reflect the light.

Green and gold are used most often, but there Green and gold are used most often, but there are also scarlets, purples and bluesare also scarlets, purples and blues

The Emperor Justinian and his The Emperor Justinian and his AttendantsAttendantsThe Empress Theodora and her The Empress Theodora and her Attendants,Attendants, c. 547 AD, mosaic, Ravenna,c. 547 AD, mosaic, Ravenna, These mosaics are companion panels of These mosaics are companion panels of

depicting the Emperor Justinian and his depicting the Emperor Justinian and his Attendants, and Empress Theodora and her Attendants, and Empress Theodora and her attendants. Both are located in the apse, which attendants. Both are located in the apse, which flanks the altar, of the church of San Vitale.flanks the altar, of the church of San Vitale.

These mosaics are prized among the most These mosaics are prized among the most accomplished examples of accomplished examples of surviving Byzantine mosaicssurviving Byzantine mosaics

Lots of gold glass tesserae.Lots of gold glass tesserae. They portray the They portray the

emperor and empress as emperor and empress as semi-divine rulers semi-divine rulers bringing gifts at the bringing gifts at the dedication of San Vitale dedication of San Vitale (though they never (though they never actually attended the actually attended the ceremony). ceremony).

The figures are stiff and The figures are stiff and stylized, including: full stylized, including: full frontal viewpoints, frontal viewpoints, elongation of the figure, elongation of the figure, and stylization of faces and stylization of faces with large eyes and with large eyes and almond shape faces, and almond shape faces, and decorative costumes. decorative costumes.

Strong use of Strong use of symbolism- bread and symbolism- bread and wine of Eucharist. Halo wine of Eucharist. Halo to show that Justinian is to show that Justinian is Gods holy Gods holy representative on earth representative on earth and therefore holy and therefore holy himself.himself.

Mosaic-A picture or design made of tiny pieces (called tesserae) of coloured stone, glass, tile or paper adhered to a surface. It is typically decorative work for walls, vaults, ceilings or floors, the tesserae set in plaster or concrete.

Mosiacs of Hagia Sophia Mosiacs of Hagia Sophia The mosaic were scrapped off the wall and The mosaic were scrapped off the wall and

covered with plaster by the Moslems when covered with plaster by the Moslems when the converted the church into a mosque. the converted the church into a mosque.

This was due to the fact their This was due to the fact their religion does not permit likenesses religion does not permit likenesses of peopleof people

Some mosaics have been uncoveredSome mosaics have been uncovered Also the Iconoclastic Controversy Also the Iconoclastic Controversy

happened in the Christian religion happened in the Christian religion as well for over for over 100 years as well for over for over 100 years ((725 to 842 CE) 725 to 842 CE) and no art was produced in and no art was produced in this this period. After this period we have the second period. After this period we have the second Golden Golden Age of Byzantine. The plans of churches were Age of Byzantine. The plans of churches were based on the Greek cross, such a St. Marks’ based on the Greek cross, such a St. Marks’ discussed beforediscussed before . .

313 CE - Constantine converts to Christianity313 CE - Constantine converts to Christianity 324 CE- The Byzantine Empire, founded when the capital of 324 CE- The Byzantine Empire, founded when the capital of

the Roman Empire was transferred from Rome to the Roman Empire was transferred from Rome to ConstantinopleConstantinople

326- CE- the pilgrimage of Constantine’s mother, Empress 326- CE- the pilgrimage of Constantine’s mother, Empress Helena, to JerusalemHelena, to Jerusalem where she finds relics and dedicates the where she finds relics and dedicates the

building of churches (Church of the Holy Sepulchrebuilding of churches (Church of the Holy Sepulchre )) 527 CE- Golden Age of Byzantine-Justinian527 CE- Golden Age of Byzantine-Justinian 532-537-Hagia Sophia -Constantinople (Istanbul)532-537-Hagia Sophia -Constantinople (Istanbul) 547 CE- The Emperor Justinian and his Attendants547 CE- The Emperor Justinian and his Attendants--mosiacmosiac 614 CE when the Persians invaded Jerusalem, destroyed many 614 CE when the Persians invaded Jerusalem, destroyed many

of the churches and monasteries. of the churches and monasteries. 638 CE Jerusalem was captured by the Muslim Caliph Umar, 638 CE Jerusalem was captured by the Muslim Caliph Umar,

six years after the death of Muhammadsix years after the death of Muhammad 685 CE-685 CE- The Dome of the RockThe Dome of the Rock starts construction by Caliph starts construction by Caliph

Abd al-Malikibn Marwan - completing it in 691 CE.Abd al-Malikibn Marwan - completing it in 691 CE. 725 to 842 CE725 to 842 CE -Iconoclastic Controversy in Christian religion -Iconoclastic Controversy in Christian religion 842 CE-the Second Golden Age of Byzantine842 CE-the Second Golden Age of Byzantine 1063- St. Marks –Venice 1063- St. Marks –Venice 1453 CE The Fall of Constantinople was the capture of the 1453 CE The Fall of Constantinople was the capture of the

Byzantine capital by the Ottoman EmpireByzantine capital by the Ottoman Empire

Dome of the Dome of the RockRock Mt. Moriah (site of Jerusalem)was Mt. Moriah (site of Jerusalem)was

considered highly sacred for several considered highly sacred for several reasonsreasons

Jewish-Jewish- It was considered to be the site where It was considered to be the site where

Abraham (2000 BCE) had built an altar Abraham (2000 BCE) had built an altar on which he prepared to sacrifice his on which he prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac.son Isaac.

At this same site, the patriarch Jacob At this same site, the patriarch Jacob gathered stone from the altar upon gathered stone from the altar upon which his father Isaac was to be which his father Isaac was to be sacrificed, and using this stone as a sacrificed, and using this stone as a pillow spent the night sleeping upon pillow spent the night sleeping upon the rock. Upon waking from a stunning the rock. Upon waking from a stunning visionary dream, Jacob anointed the visionary dream, Jacob anointed the stone pillow with oil he had received stone pillow with oil he had received from heaven and the stone then sank from heaven and the stone then sank deep into the earth, to become the deep into the earth, to become the foundation stone of the great temple foundation stone of the great temple that would later be built by Solomon. that would later be built by Solomon.

The First Temple of the Jews was built The First Temple of the Jews was built during the reign of King Solomon (960 during the reign of King Solomon (960 BCE). BCE).

Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon forced Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon forced the Jews into exile (most went to the Jews into exile (most went to Babylon), and completely destroyed the Babylon), and completely destroyed the temple in 586 BC. temple in 586 BC.

In 539 BC, Persia conquered Babylon In 539 BC, Persia conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Reconstruction began and Jerusalem. Reconstruction began and the Second Temple was completed by the Second Temple was completed by 515 B.C.E515 B.C.E

Greek Rule Greek Rule Jerusalem was captured by Jerusalem was captured by Alexander the Great. For most the next Alexander the Great. For most the next five centuries Greeks ruled over the Judah.five centuries Greeks ruled over the Judah.

Roman RuleRoman Rule In 64 BC, the Roman general Pompey In 64 BC, the Roman general Pompey

captured Jerusalem, ushering in several captured Jerusalem, ushering in several centuries of Roman rule. During this centuries of Roman rule. During this period Herod the Great (ruled 37-4 BC) period Herod the Great (ruled 37-4 BC) rebuilt and enlarged the Second rebuilt and enlarged the Second Temple and created the famous Temple and created the famous Western Wall (also called the Wailing Western Wall (also called the Wailing Wall) as part of the supporting Wall) as part of the supporting structure for the enlarged Temple structure for the enlarged Temple Mount.Mount.

During the next two centuries the Jews During the next two centuries the Jews twice revolted against their Roman twice revolted against their Roman oppressors, the city of Jerusalem oppressors, the city of Jerusalem suffered greatly and the Second suffered greatly and the Second Temple was demolished in 70 AD. Temple was demolished in 70 AD.

In the year 135 AD, the Roman In the year 135 AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian began construction Emperor Hadrian began construction of a new city, upon the ruins of old of a new city, upon the ruins of old Jerusalem. Upon the site of the Jerusalem. Upon the site of the destroyed Jewish temple, Hadrian built destroyed Jewish temple, Hadrian built a temple to the god Jupiter, but this a temple to the god Jupiter, but this temple was itself demolished by the temple was itself demolished by the Byzantines after the empire became Byzantines after the empire became Christian.Christian.

Christianity-Christianity-The conversion to Christianity of The conversion to Christianity of the Byzantine Emperor the Byzantine Emperor Constantine (306-337) and the Constantine (306-337) and the pilgrimage of his mother, pilgrimage of his mother, Empress Helena, to Jerusalem in Empress Helena, to Jerusalem in 326. Helena's pilgrimage and 326. Helena's pilgrimage and Constantine's royal support Constantine's royal support made possible the building of made possible the building of many Christian shrines in the many Christian shrines in the city.city.The Christian control of The Christian control of Jerusalem was carried on until Jerusalem was carried on until 614 AD when the Persians 614 AD when the Persians invaded the city, destroyed invaded the city, destroyed many of the churches and many of the churches and monasteries. monasteries.

Islam-Islam- Jerusalem was captured in 638 CE, six years after the death of Muhammad, Jerusalem was captured in 638 CE, six years after the death of Muhammad,

by the Muslim Caliph Umar. Soon after his occupation of the city, Umar by the Muslim Caliph Umar. Soon after his occupation of the city, Umar cleansed the Temple Mount, built a small mosque and dedicated the site to cleansed the Temple Mount, built a small mosque and dedicated the site to Muslim worship. Muslim worship.

Nearby they built a more spectacular building, the Nearby they built a more spectacular building, the Dome of the RockDome of the Rock, not , not only to proclaim the supremacy of Islam, but also to ensure that the new only to proclaim the supremacy of Islam, but also to ensure that the new followers of Islam would not be tempted by Christianity.followers of Islam would not be tempted by Christianity.

Importance of the temple mount:Importance of the temple mount:A certain passage in the Koran links the Prophet Muhammad with Jerusalem and A certain passage in the Koran links the Prophet Muhammad with Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. That passage, the seventeenth Sura, entitled 'The Night the Temple Mount. That passage, the seventeenth Sura, entitled 'The Night Journey', recounts the story of a dream Mohammed has where he takes a Journey', recounts the story of a dream Mohammed has where he takes a midnight ride (midnight ride (al-Israal-Isra) on his flying horse ) on his flying horse al-Buraqal-Buraq, which had the face of a , which had the face of a woman, the body of a horse and the tail of Peacock. The narrative of the Koran in woman, the body of a horse and the tail of Peacock. The narrative of the Koran in Sura 17 describes it as follows: Sura 17 describes it as follows:

"Glory be to Him, who carried His servant by night from the "Glory be to Him, who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque to the further Holy Mosque to the further mosque, the precincts of which we have mosque, the precincts of which we have blessed."blessed."

… … and from the sacred rock atop of the temple mount he made a spiritual and from the sacred rock atop of the temple mount he made a spiritual trip to trip to heaven and met the prophets before him) (it is stated in refeneces that this heaven and met the prophets before him) (it is stated in refeneces that this vision is around vision is around 617 and 624 A.D 617 and 624 A.D ).). Muslim believe the two temples mentioned in this verse as being in Mecca Muslim believe the two temples mentioned in this verse as being in Mecca

and Jerusalem.and Jerusalem. At this hallowed site, known in Arabic as At this hallowed site, known in Arabic as Haram al SharifHaram al Sharif, the 9th Caliph, , the 9th Caliph,

Abd al-Malik, built the great Abd al-Malik, built the great Dome of the RockDome of the Rock between 687 CE and 691 between 687 CE and 691 CE to protect pilgrims. CE to protect pilgrims.

Adjacent to the Dome is the Al-Aqsa Mosque wherein Muslims make their Adjacent to the Dome is the Al-Aqsa Mosque wherein Muslims make their prayers towards Mecca. prayers towards Mecca.

Designed by Designed by ByzantineByzantine architects architects (not all text’s agree with this)(not all text’s agree with this) engaged by engaged by the Caliph, the Dome of the Rock was the greatest monumental building in the Caliph, the Dome of the Rock was the greatest monumental building in early Islamic history and remains today one of the most sublime examples of early Islamic history and remains today one of the most sublime examples of artistic genius that humanity has ever produced (the Great Mosque of artistic genius that humanity has ever produced (the Great Mosque of Damascus, being a true mosque, is the earliest surviving monumental Damascus, being a true mosque, is the earliest surviving monumental mosque).mosque).

The Dome of the Rock-The Dome of the Rock-detailsdetails The structure is octagonal and the dome is The structure is octagonal and the dome is

borne by a double system of pillars and borne by a double system of pillars and columns. The walls, ceiling, arches, and columns. The walls, ceiling, arches, and vaults are decorated with floral images. The vaults are decorated with floral images. The dome, on the inside, is covered with dome, on the inside, is covered with coloured and gilded stucco.coloured and gilded stucco.

The dome is 20 meters high, 10 meters in The dome is 20 meters high, 10 meters in diameter, and its supporting structure, diameter, and its supporting structure, made of lead, was originally covered in made of lead, was originally covered in pure gold (pure gold (In 1960, as part of Jordan’s restoration, the dome was covered with a durable aluminium and bronze alloy made in Italy. The restoration was completed in August 1964.

In 1998 the golden dome covering was refurbished following a donation of $8.2 million by King Hussein of Jordan who sold one of his houses in London to fund the 80 kilograms of gold required. (Wipedica)

The sacred foundation stone is encircled by The sacred foundation stone is encircled by sixteen arches that formerly came from sixteen arches that formerly came from different churches in Jerusalem, which were different churches in Jerusalem, which were destroyed during the Persian occupation of destroyed during the Persian occupation of the city in 614 AD. Writing of the sublimely the city in 614 AD. Writing of the sublimely beautiful structure with its heavenly dome, beautiful structure with its heavenly dome, its columns of rare marble and its brilliant its columns of rare marble and its brilliant mosaicsmosaics

The facade is made of The facade is made of porcelain The Koranic ura, or porcelain The Koranic ura, or chapter, is inscribed across chapter, is inscribed across the top in the tile work the top in the tile work commissioned in the 16th commissioned in the 16th century by Suleiman the century by Suleiman the Magnificent. The sura al- Isra Magnificent. The sura al- Isra (The Night Journey), is (The Night Journey), is inscribed above Ya-Seen. inscribed above Ya-Seen. (Wipedica)(Wipedica)

Painting in the Middle Painting in the Middle AgesAges

They had a strong tradition of paintingThey had a strong tradition of painting Most paintings were Most paintings were iconsicons (religious (religious

images) painted on wooden panels.images) painted on wooden panels. Often used as worship centers in Often used as worship centers in

homehome The interiors of the churches also The interiors of the churches also

were decorated with icons.were decorated with icons. Byzantine painting was colourful and Byzantine painting was colourful and

emotional.emotional. Artists used egg tempera as their Artists used egg tempera as their

mediummedium Figures were painted against a Figures were painted against a

brilliant gold backgroundbrilliant gold background TriptychTriptych (three hinged pieces) (three hinged pieces)

DiptychDiptych (two hinged pieces) were (two hinged pieces) were examples of the portable art of the examples of the portable art of the Byzantine eraByzantine era

Christ Icon, St. Catherine’s Christ Icon, St. Catherine’s Monastery, c. 6th cent. CE, Monastery, c. 6th cent. CE, Sinai, Egypt.Sinai, Egypt.

Enthroned Madonna Enthroned Madonna and Child (13th and Child (13th centurycentury)(131 x77 cm))(131 x77 cm)

Typical of Byzantine styleTypical of Byzantine style The Madonna floats The Madonna floats

rather than sits on her rather than sits on her throne.throne.

The Christ child seems to The Christ child seems to be resting securely on be resting securely on her arm.her arm.

Meaning and emotion Meaning and emotion are more important than are more important than the depiction of reality.the depiction of reality.

The use of gold The use of gold backgrounds heightens backgrounds heightens the effect of the effect of otherworldliness and otherworldliness and transcendence transcendence

National Gallery of Canada Jacopo di Cione Triptych of the Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints     (1370 - 1380 )

Ugolino di Nerio St. Anne and the Infant Virgin     (1330 - 1335 )

Migration ArtMigration Art ornamental ornamental

metalwork, usually metalwork, usually pins to hold pins to hold garments, often garments, often inlaid with inlaid with precious stonesprecious stones

Purse Cover (7th Purse Cover (7th century)-century)-garnets, garnets, glass, enamel and glass, enamel and gold- geometric on gold- geometric on top- man between top- man between two beasts and two beasts and eagles seizing two eagles seizing two ducksducks

What is an What is an Illuminated Illuminated Manuscript?Manuscript?

The term “manuscript” translates from Latin The term “manuscript” translates from Latin as “made by hand”. Illumination comes from as “made by hand”. Illumination comes from

the Latin word “illuminare” meaning “the Latin word “illuminare” meaning “light light upup”.”.

These “illuminated” These “illuminated” manuscripts were so called manuscripts were so called because of their frequent because of their frequent incorporation of incorporation of goldgold or or sometimes sometimes silversilver leaf onto leaf onto the page. the page.

Decoration with drawings, Decoration with drawings, usually in gold, silver, and usually in gold, silver, and rich colors, especially in the rich colors, especially in the initial letters of manuscripts, initial letters of manuscripts, particularly those done particularly those done during the Middle Ages. A during the Middle Ages. A manuscript, produced manuscript, produced during the Middle Ages, in during the Middle Ages, in which the pages are which the pages are decorated this way. Often decorated this way. Often these manuscripts contain these manuscripts contain small pictures known as small pictures known as illuminations or miniatures. illuminations or miniatures.

PriestsPriests MonksMonks ReligiousReligious Middle AgesMiddle Ages MonasteriesMonasteries

MaterialsMaterials

SkinSkin FeathersFeathers Goose or SwanGoose or Swan CuredCured InkInk Parchment and VellumParchment and Vellum

ManuscriptsManuscripts influenced by tribal tradition of influenced by tribal tradition of

geometric motifs and interlacing geometric motifs and interlacing of letters, flowers and animalsof letters, flowers and animals

monks spent their lifetimes monks spent their lifetimes illustrating their pages of illustrating their pages of scripture while in their secluded scripture while in their secluded monasteriesmonasteries

ornamentation represents ornamentation represents everything rich and beautiful everything rich and beautiful

paying tribute to Godpaying tribute to God

Lindisfarne Gospel Book (698-Lindisfarne Gospel Book (698-721) Christianized Great 721) Christianized Great Britain)Britain)

long time to illustrate one booklong time to illustrate one book many vellum (parchment pagesmany vellum (parchment pages ‘‘X-P” (chi-rho) is a contraction of X-P” (chi-rho) is a contraction of

the Greek name for Christthe Greek name for Christ interlaced with abstract and interlaced with abstract and

geometric designs of minute geometric designs of minute detaildetail

hidden in the intricate scrolls are hidden in the intricate scrolls are serpents dragons and other serpents dragons and other fantastic animalsfantastic animals

Christian faith was Christian faith was bound by the bound by the authority of sacred authority of sacred writings, and it placed writings, and it placed increasing importance increasing importance on the production of on the production of books and their books and their illumination. Some illumination. Some fragments of the fragments of the biblical text, written biblical text, written in silver and gold on in silver and gold on purple vellum and purple vellum and sumptuously sumptuously illuminated, are still illuminated, are still preserved). Foremost preserved). Foremost of these is the Vienna of these is the Vienna Genesis, a manuscript Genesis, a manuscript of the first half of the of the first half of the 6th cent.6th cent.

East Asian calligraphyEast Asian calligraphyChinese calligraphy written by Chinese calligraphy written by Song DynastySong Dynasty (A.D. 1051-1108) (A.D. 1051-1108)

poet poet Mi FuMi Fu..

Indian CalligraphyIndian CalligraphyA page from the A page from the Guru Guru GranthGranth Sahib Sahib, the holy book of the , the holy book of the SikhSikh

Persian calligraphyPersian calligraphyPage of calligraphy in ornamental style, 1868-69Page of calligraphy in ornamental style, 1868-69

Islamic calligraphyIslamic calligraphyA page of a 12th century A page of a 12th century Qur'anQur'an

Western calligraphyWestern calligraphyCalligraphy of the German word "Urkunde" (deed)Calligraphy of the German word "Urkunde" (deed)

Hebrew Hebrew manuscripts in manuscripts in the fifteenth the fifteenth centurycentury

German, Hildesheim, ca. 1170German, Hildesheim, ca. 1170 1407AD Latin Bible from 1407AD Latin Bible from

BelgiumBelgium

Medieval ScribesMedieval Scribes