7: The Sacred Buildings of Civilizations (200 CE – 1400 CE)
- Page ID
- 308292
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)All cultures had some kind of sacred belief whether it was one god, or many gods and they erected different types of structures including: temples, churches, mosques, or pagodas where they observed their religion. Globally, all of the buildings were designed, constructed, decorated and enhanced with some style of art: statues, stained glass, special trim, architectural configurations, or unique materials.
- 7.1: Overview
- Throughout history, every culture developed sacred beliefs that shaped its art, architecture, and daily life. Whether societies worshipped one god or many gods, they constructed monumental spaces such as temples, churches, mosques, pagodas, and ceremonial centers where communities gathered for worship and ritual activities. These structures became more than functional buildings; they symbolized spiritual devotion, political authority, and cultural identity.
- 7.2: The Rounded Domes
- The Hagia Sophia, Dome of the Rock, and the Umayyad Mosque are religious buildings that share many similar characteristics due to their religious requirements, historical construction, artistic influences, regional customs, and the availability of materials. These three buildings have spectacular mosaic adornments and beautifully constructed domes.
- 7.3: The Vaulted Arch
- The Borgund Stave Church, Sant Climent de Taull, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, and the Lalibela Church Complex are religious buildings constructed in a similar layout, yet with entirely different materials. The materials used for any of the churches were very localized, with people utilizing the common elements available in their location and the technology of the time.
- 7.4: The Multiple Stories
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bayon Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, and Konpon Daito Pagoda are the religious buildings found in Asia. The buildings were typically multi-story with varied roof shapes. Buddhism had a significant influence on the buildings and their construction. Images of the Buddha were also found in most pagodas and temples.
- 7.5: The Pyramids
- The pyramids of the Americas were monumental structures built by ancient civilizations throughout Mesoamerica and South America for religious, ceremonial, political, and astronomical purposes. Unlike the smooth-sided pyramids of ancient Egypt, most American pyramids were constructed as step pyramids with terraces and stairways leading to temples or shrines at the top. These pyramids served as sacred spaces where rituals, offerings, ceremonies, and sometimes sacrifices were performed.
- 7.6: Conclusion
- Many civilizations during this period were shaped by military strength, conquest, and expanding political power, concepts clearly reflected in their art and architecture. Monumental structures symbolized the authority of rulers, religious leaders, and empires, whether seen in the grand mosques of the Islamic Golden Age, the towering pyramids of the Maya and Aztecs, or the sacred temple complexes of the Khmer Empire.