History and Theory 2nd semester: From the Roman to the Byzantine period

This course covers the history of architecture and the visual arts from the foundation of Rome to the Fall of Constantinople. Specifically it covers topic on the Roman architecture and art: The Etruscan and Greek influences, the monumental creation; The public area (fora, thermal baths, aqueducts, churches) palace and residence; The spread of Christianity and the heritage of antiquity in the single empire; The early Christian architecture and arts and the age of Constantine; The Byzantine Empire; The age of Justinian, the Dark Ages, the Iconoclasm, and the Middle Byzantine Times (Macedonian Renaissance and the period of Comnenos); The Frankish rule, and the Late Byzantine times (Palaeologia period). We examine the architectural styles, and the construction, as well as the mosaics, frescoes, sculptural decorations, and portable icons. The Byzantium and its traditions are examined from the Roman city to the new urban compounds and fortified settlements. The evolution of cities, the development of the urban fabric, the monuments and the decorative arts are also discussed.