BYZANTINE

The three major Byzantine cities were: Constantinople, Venice and Ravenna. The Byzantine empire officially adopted Christianity around 280-337 C.E. One of the most important icons of this civilization is the famous mosaic "Empress Theodora and Her Attendants, in San Vitale. This mosaic shows Christ receiving a model of the church.

Furniture in this era was inspired by the Roman forms, except is more complex and it has adapted to this culture over time. The "X frame stool" is still very present and hasn't really changed a whole lot. Beds continued as well.

One of the most iconic pieces of furniture from this civilization was the chest; which included strong hinges and a lock to prevent from thieves.

Another very important piece of furniture was the "Throne of Maximian" which incorporated pieces of ivory carvings.

Because of the climate in that region, a few examples survived now a day but it is likely that there were many different wooden pieces from this era.

Other important pieces of furniture from the Byzantine period are medieval stools. One of the most iconic is the three-legged stool, it contains an integral handle which indicated that this stool was picked up and carried around. The handle was carved into the wood which relies on the strength of the material it was made.

The Vikings

The Vikings were migratory people and hunters of the seas. In 830's the Vikings started raids that involved their wintering in the lands they attacked, they were skilled in many aspects and tasks such as carpentry, wood carving, precise cutting, joints and complicated geometry. The expertise of working with wood was the reason they were famous for the boats they built.

CURRENT

Byzantine Fresco Chapel

Byzantine design Inspired

Modern Abstract Rug, Byzantine inspired by Landry & Arcary


Hagia Sophia Church, Sophia Bulgaria

FROM JESSICA'S BLOG: I LIKED THE DIFFERENT EXAMPLES SHE INCLUDED AND THE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHURCHES. ONE OF THE MAIN POINTS SHE FOCUSED ON WAS THE TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN WHICH WAS THE PENDENTIVE CONSTRUCTION.
FROM JUSTINE'S BLOG: WHAT I LEARNED AFTER SEEING HER BLOG WAS THAT THIS CIVILIZATION WAS ONE OF THE LONGEST CIVILIZATIONS WE STUDIED, ALSO SHE MENTIONED HOW THE BYZANTINE CIVILIZATION WAS INFLUENCED BY GREEKS AND THE ORIENT.