The Byzantine tradition in art, music, and architecture is one of the most influential in the world. The style was developed during the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th century to the 14th century.
The Byzantine style is characterized by its ornate and intricate decorations. The most famous examples of Byzantine art are the mosaics in the Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century cathedral in Istanbul.
Byzantine music is also known for its complex harmonies and unusual scales. The most famous Byzantine composer is the 9th-century musician Constantine the Philosopher, who wrote the first known opera.
Byzantine art is characterized by its use of strong colors and gold. The style is often compared to the more “baroque” style of the Renaissance period. Popular examples include:
- The mosaics of the Hagia Sophia
- The frescoes of the Cistercian monastery of Daphni
- The icons of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai
The style of the Byzantine Empire continued to influence artists and architects even after the empire fell in 1453. The Ottoman Empire, which conquered the Byzantine Empire, adopted many of its traditions.
