Columns

Definition

Columns are vertical architectural elements that support a structure and are often used for aesthetic purposes as well. They are fundamental in defining the style and function of buildings, providing both stability and visual appeal. In various architectural contexts, including ancient and Byzantine structures, columns play a crucial role in both supporting roofs and enhancing the grandeur of the space they occupy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the Hagia Sophia, columns were strategically placed to support the massive dome, which was a groundbreaking architectural achievement in Byzantine architecture.
2. The Colosseum showcases the use of columns from different orders—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—reflecting the evolution of Roman architectural styles.
3. Columns in Roman baths served both functional and aesthetic purposes, often elaborately decorated to enhance the luxurious experience of bathers.
4. Byzantine architects used columns not only for structural support but also to create an uplifting spiritual environment within churches, contributing to their overall design philosophy.
5. The Pantheon is renowned for its large Corinthian columns that not only support its grand portico but also symbolize the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire.

Review Questions

• How do columns contribute to the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of significant architectural works from early Byzantine and Roman times?
  • Columns are essential in providing structural integrity as they bear weight from roofs and upper stories while allowing for open spaces below. In early Byzantine architecture, such as the Hagia Sophia, columns support massive domes that are central to its design. Similarly, in Roman structures like the Colosseum, varied styles of columns reflect cultural influences and add to the visual richness of the architecture. Together, they enhance not just stability but also the grandeur of these historic buildings.
• What are some differences in column design between Byzantine architecture and Roman architecture as seen in monumental structures?
  • Byzantine architecture often employed more intricate and decorative columns that contributed to a spiritual atmosphere within churches, such as those found in the Hagia Sophia. In contrast, Roman architecture utilized a range of column styles—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—to convey power and order, as exemplified by structures like the Pantheon and Colosseum. The varying uses reflect different cultural values: spiritual transcendence in Byzantine designs versus imperial grandeur in Roman architecture.
• Evaluate the significance of columns in shaping architectural styles from ancient Rome to early Byzantium, considering their functionality and symbolism.
  • Columns were pivotal in shaping architectural styles from ancient Rome to early Byzantium by combining functionality with rich symbolism. In Rome, columns showcased strength and order while signifying civic pride through their classical orders. As architecture transitioned into Byzantine styles, columns evolved into elements that not only supported massive structures like domes but also conveyed divine inspiration and spiritual upliftment. This shift illustrates how architecture adapts to cultural needs while retaining foundational elements that define its historical context.

Related terms

Capitals: The topmost part of a column, which can be elaborately designed to indicate the style and function of the column, often serving as a transition between the column and the load it supports.

Entablature: The horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice, which together create a significant visual impact in classical architecture.

Pilasters: Flattened columns that are attached to walls, providing a decorative element while also imparting the appearance of structural support.