oct 22, 532 - Hagia Sophia
Description:
The Church of the Holy Wisdom of God was built from 532-537 AD in Constantinople (now Istanbul). The plan of the church is a huge rectangle (71x77 meters) enclosing a central square space defined by four piers carrying a vast dome. The dome of Hagia Sophia is 55 meters high. It surmounts a square rather than a circle, as in previous Roman domed structures. The dome is supported on "pendentives" (spherical triangles) rising from the piers. The use of pendentives allowed for the square space below to be opened up towards surrounding spaces. The shallow-profiled dome of Hagia Sophia, with a tight circle of windows around its base, makes it appear to float.Added to timeline:
Date:
oct 22, 532
Now
~ 1493 years ago