Did you know?

Notre-Dame de Paris (1200-1250 in the making) is a cathedral constructed of nine squares (three-times-three to represent the Holy Trinity) that create a geometric pattern and blend architecture and sculpture. Its two towers with a band of sculpted figures or gargoyles bind the immense Rose Window to the rest of the facade. In addition: Many contemporary homes built in a "traditional" style have paned windows influenced by the mullioned windows of the Tudor epoch.

Unit 9

Byzantine

Dating from the fifth century, a style of the Byzantine Empire after it became the capital of Rome (330 A.D.) This style was constructed with masonry around a central plan. The style made use of domes, ornamental forms, gold, stylized figures, and icons.

words in context: Byzantine architecture consisted of a blend of Greek and Oriental traditions. Interiors were often decorated with mosaics and frescoes.

Romanesque

The style of European architecture of the eleventh and twelfth centuries that was based on Roman style with round arches; massive, thick walls; and austere interiors. Huge west facades were crowned by a tower, or sometimes by twin towers.

words in context: Romanesque churches were massive enough to sustain large barrel vaults, which created a somberly impressive atmosphere.

Norman

This style was developed from 1066 to 1154 in areas conquered by the Normans: France, England, Italy, and Sicily. In France and England, Norman buildings were based on Romanesque architecture. These churches, castles, and abbeys were huge and sparsely decorated. English and French churches were cruciform (shaped like a cross) and had square towers. Often carved moldings were used along with grotesque animal sculptures.

words in context: In England, the only remaining Norman architecture is the small St. John's Chapel (c. 1087) at the tower of London; in France, Norman architecture includes the earliest constructed par's or Mont-Saint Michel and two abbeys at Caen.

Tudor

Architectural style in England prevalent during the 1485-1556 reign of the Tudors, Henry VII, Henry VIII, and Mary I. Used predominantly in manor or country houses, this style combined brickwork with half-timbers, gables, and many chimneys and emphasized a domestic look inside.

words in context: Fine examples of the Tudor style are Hampton Court Palace and some colleges at Oxford and Cambridge. For private houses, think of sketches of Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway's home in Stratford-on-Avon.

After studying the definitions above, use these new words in the sentences below:

1 Patterned after the Roman style, these buildings were massive in size, had thick walls, and round arches, and the interiors were spare.

2 Based on Romanesque architecture, these churches and castles in the style were huge, sparsely decorated, and sometimes contained sculptures of grotesque animals and carved panels.

3 Brickwork, half-timbers, square mullioned windows, and many chimneys characterize the style of architecture.

4 A central plan, domes, gold, ornament, and stylized figures characterize the style.

Test Yourself: Write the letter next to the number to match word and meaning.

1. Tudor a. do as the Romans do: spare interiors, massive size

2. Romanesque b. do as Will and Anne do: brick below, timber above

3. Byzantine c. do as Romanesque does, animal carvings

4. Norman d. do as the Greek and Oriental architects do

On a separate sheet of paper, write a sentence using each of these new words.