Question

Hagia Sophia is considered as the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture." It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.

The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and was the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site, the previous two having both been destroyed by rioters. It was designed by the Greek scientists Isidore of Miletus, a physicist, and Anthemeus of Tralles, a mathematician. The church contained a large collection of holy relics and featured, among other things, a 49 foot (15m) silver iconostatis. It was the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople and the religious focal point of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly one thousand years.
What was the concept it derived from?
a. Byzantine Architecture
b. Early Christian Church
c. Islam Architecture
d. None of the above

Answer 1

The Hagia Sophia is rooted in Byzantine architecture, which is based on Early Christian influences and traditional basilica-style layouts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hagia Sophia is considered as the epitome of Byzantine architecture, a style which prevails as the concept derived from the question. The current structure of Hagia Sophia, although endowed with a blend of historical features, was primarily built as a church inspired by Early Christian and Byzantine architectural forms, particularly the traditional basilica style layout. It's characterized by a rectangular building with a central dome, often regarded as the principal emphasis on architectural design during that time. Hagia Sophia's massive size and opulent decorations, such as a 49-foot silver iconostasis and mosaics, reflect the wealth and power of the Byzantine Empire.