Timeline of Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine architecture.

Porcia Basilica.
It was the first basilica built in Roman culture, by order of the military politician
Marcus Pontius Cato, in the year 184 BC, with the purpose of being a space for
jurisprudence and commerce; located northeast of the Roman Forum.
It was located in the northwest of the Roman Forum, between the Tullianum prison
and the Curia Hostilia.
Architectural design: The basilica was a rectangular and elongated structure, with a
typical basilica plan. It had a wide central nave and two narrower side naves
separated by columns or pilasters. The roof was supported by a series of columns
or pillars.
The Maison Carrée is a Roman temple consecrated to the imperial cult in the
French city of Nîmes. 16 BC
Architectural design: The Maison Carrée has a rectangular and symmetrical plan,
with an impressive façade and columns at its front. It is inspired by the principles of
classical Roman architecture, with a raised base, a colonnade at the front and a
triangular pediment at the top. The temple presents a harmonious relationship
between its dimensions. The length is exactly twice the height and the width is
equal to half the length. It displays the Corinthian order on its façade.
Building materials: The temple was built with local stone, mainly yellow sandstone,
known as "pierre de Vers-Pont-du-Gard". This stone gives it its characteristic colour
and texture and has contributed to its excellent state of preservation.
The Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheatre 80 AD C. (in Latin Colosseum, in Italian
Colosseo)1 is an amphitheater from the time of the Roman Empire, built in the 1st
century. It is located in the east of the Roman Forum, and was the largest of those
built in the Roman Empire. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatrum
Flavium, it was later called the Colosseum because next to it there was a large
statue, the Colossus of Nero. It has an elliptical shape and its dimensions are
impressive, with a length of approximately 189 metres, a width of 156 metres and a
height of around 48 metres.
The materials used in its construction are travertine blocks, concrete, wood, brick,
stone (tuff), marble and stucco. In ancient times it had a capacity for about 65,000
spectators, with eighty rows of stands.
It consisted of four main floors, with arches and columns on each level. The
exterior facade was decorated with architectural orders: the first level with Doric
orders, the second level with Ionic orders and the third level with Corinthian orders.
The Baths of Caracalla, also known as the Baths of Antoninus, are ancient
Roman baths located in Rome. Built during the reign of Emperor Caracalla in the
3rd century AD,
Size and dimensions: The Baths of Caracalla were enormous, covering an area of
approximately 11 hectares. The complex had numerous rooms and service areas
spread over several levels.
Architectural design: The architectural design of the baths reflected the
magnificence and splendor of the Roman Empire. It had a symmetrical and
monumental structure with large open spaces. Its distinctive barrel vaults and
domes covering the main rooms stood out.
Decoration and ornamentation: The interior of the baths was decorated with
marble, mosaics, statues and other ornamental elements. Many of the areas
featured magnificent frescoes on the walls depicting mythological scenes,
landscapes and human figures.

The Basilica of Santa Sabina, located in Rome, Italy, is an outstanding example

of early Christian architecture. It was built in the 5th century AD. during the
papacy of Pope Celestine I
Basilica plan: The basilica follows the typical basilica plan design of early Christian
architecture. It has a wide and high central nave, flanked by lower side naves. The
central nave is separated from the side naves by a series of columns and arches.
Reused Ancient Columns: These columns, known as recycled columns, were taken
from ancient pagan buildings and adapted for use in the basilica.
It is built primarily of brick and stone, using a combination of materials in its
structure.
Wooden ceilings: Unlike some early Christian basilicas that have stone vaults, the
Basilica of Santa Sabina has wooden ceilings in its central nave and side naves.
These wooden ceilings give the basilica a warmer and more welcoming
appearance.

Mosaics: Although much of the original mosaics have been lost, the basilica still
preserves some mosaic fragments inside. These mosaics depict geometric motifs
and religious figures, and are a testament to the Christian art and iconography of
the period.
The Basilica of St. John Lateran, 4th century AD, located in Rome, Italy, is one
of the oldest and most significant churches of early Christian architecture.
Basilical plan: The basilica has a basilical plan, which is a distinctive characteristic
of early Christian architecture. It has a wide and high central nave, flanked by two
narrower side aisles. These aisles are separated from the central nave by rows of
columns and arches.
The façade of the basilica is impressive and has a monumental entrance. It is
decorated with columns, statues and reliefs depicting biblical figures and saints.
The façade extends across the entire width of the central nave and creates an
imposing presence.
Travertine Stone: The original basilica, built in the 4th century, was constructed
primarily of travertine stone, a type of limestone., Brick, Marble, Mosaics are
composed of small pieces of glass, gemstones, and other materials embedded in
mortar.
Hagia Sophia: Located in Istanbul, Türkiye, Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic
and representative buildings of the Byzantine Empire. It was built in the 6th century
AD. during the reign of Emperor Justinian. It has been recognized as an
outstanding example of Byzantine architecture.
Centralized plan: The plan of Hagia Sophia is based on a centralized form, inspired
by Byzantine architecture. It has a plan in the shape of a cross inscribed in a
square, with the arms of the cross of equal length. This arrangement creates a
symmetrical and balanced space. It has arches and columns, minarets
Brick, Limestone, Marble Stone, Glass Mosaics, Wood, Iron and Lead: These
metals were used for the supporting structure and reinforcements

St. Mark's Church (Basilica di San Marco) 9th century AD It is one of the most
emblematic buildings in Venice, Italy, and an outstanding example of Byzantine
architecture.
Central Dome: The central dome of Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive
features of the building. At the time of its construction, it was the largest dome in
the world and rises to a considerable height.
Greek cross plan: The church has a Greek cross plan, with arms of equal length
that intersect in the center. This symbolic arrangement reflects the crucifixion of
Jesus and is a distinctive feature of Byzantine architecture. The church has five
main domes, the largest being the central dome that rises majestically above the
building.
The interior of the church is filled with mosaics, which cover the walls, ceilings and
domes. These mosaics depict religious scenes, sacred figures and biblical
narratives.
Brick, Marble, Glass Mosaics, Stone: such as travertine and porphyry and gold
Reflection
Throughout the course we have seen 3 architectures that for me have been quite
interesting to learn, such as Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine architecture,
which have been architectural styles that have left a deep mark on history and
culture in the world. Each of them represents a different era in the world, showing
how our society has evolved throughout history.
Roman architecture is incredible thanks to its focus on grandeur and efficiency in
each of its works, characterized by the use of durable materials such as stone and
marble, construction of arches, vaults, domes, in addition to creating simply
spectacular spaces such as the Roman Coliseum. Reflecting in its purest state the
architecture of power and supremacy, with a touch of efficiency and functionality.
Early Christian architecture is characterized by the adoption of elements of Roman
architecture, such as basilicas, but with a simpler and more spiritual approach. I
like this architecture as it focuses mainly on community and connection with the
divine, being a simple architecture or to a certain extent one could say humble to
emphasize its purposes as believers.
Byzantine architecture emerged from the fusion of Roman and Eastern influences
in the Byzantine Empire. It is characterized by the use of domes, semicircular
arches, colorful mosaics and elaborate decoration, highly appreciating its religious,
spiritual connection and transcendence, giving this architecture a different way of
living it.
In conclusion, Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine architecture represents an
important period in the history of humanity, leaving its legacy and message in its
designs, transmitting its greatness, simplicity and the spirituality of each one.