The San Vitale in Ravenna and The Dome of the Rock in...

Monuments such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and San Vitale in Ravenna, perform a great importance in Byzantine and Islamic architecture. Both of these structures did not exclusively represent the main place of worship, but most importantly as a symbol of achievement and growth within the current times of construction. Starting in 524, under the influence of Orthodox bishop Ecclesius, the development of San Vitale was to represent the achievements of the emperor Justinian. Julius Argentarius was the sponsor for this structure and it was dedicated by Bishop Maximian in 547. The Dome of the Rock is built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in 692 with the help of Abd al-Malik with the suspected intention to symbolize Islams influence in†¦show more content†¦On the lower half is an organization of geometric forms. However, the most important mosaic is the representation of Emperor Justinian and Emprise Theodora. Justinian is presented holding a bowl of Eucharistic bread as Theodora carries a chalice or vessel of Eucharistic wine. Due to the orientation of these figures and the ones that surrounds them, it could be suggested that they represent bringing Eucharistic elements into the church. Perhaps even as an offering to christ which is reinforced by the three magi bearing gifts on Theodoras rob. The Dome of the Rock is constructed with a wood structure encased with marble and stone mosaics. The octagonal plan has a large central space which is separated with two surrounding ambulatories. Supporting the tall cylindrical dome is four masonry piers and twelve Corinthian columns. With tie beams separating columns from their capitals, is twenty-four Corinthian columns and piers in an alternating pattern mimicking the central circle support. The interior of this space is embellished lavishly with veined marble, gilded glass, and coloured stone. On lower half of the arcades are fitted marble with intricate patterns as above is decorative with mosaics of tr ees, plants, fruits, jewels (such as breast plates and necklaces), chalices and crowns. The gold gilded wood dome is decorated with red and gold floral