Architecture as a Political Device

Through the architecture, a place of worshipÐ'--whether it's an ancient Sumerian temple or a Gothic churchÐ'--not only becomes a conduit to the heavenly, but a political device as well.

Ð'* In the ancient Sumerian city of UrukÐ'--circa 3500 BCÐ'--the "White Temple" was built atop a zigguratÐ'--a man-made mountain.

o Dedicated (probably) to the sky-god, AnuÐ'--chief of the Sumerian gods.

o A system of stairs and ramps lead around a counter-clockwise direction up towards the entrance of the temple.

 This winding ascent was a metaphor for the ascent into the divine realm.

o At the peak of the temple is where the priest or priestess would conduct ceremonies,

 acting as the point of transfer from the earthly to the heavenly.

o The members of the community would watch the ascent of the elite group of the priests and leaders who had exclusive access to the temple.

Ð'* Hagia Sophia ("church of holy wisdom"), Byzantine 532 AD

o Built by Anthemious of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus

 Dome on pendentives

 A spacious interior

o Harmonious "finely-tuned" proportions reflect a divine creation

o The architecture of the building allows there to be a great many windows circling the dome.

 This gives the illusion that the dome seems to float "like the radiant heavens"

 And supports the sense of a divine mystery

o The architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia is also a show of the political power that Justinian holds in that time.

Ð'* Abbey Church of Saint Denis

o Built under the supervision of Abbet Suger.

o Burial spot for Saint Denis

 Martyr credited for bringing Christianity to France.

o Where the Carolingian Kings were crowned

 Giving it both a religious and political connection

o The development of the Gothic style is a statement of the growing political power of the kingdom of France (Which might explain why the style spreads out to become a regional style)

o Borrows from Romanesque style

 Use of groin vaulting

 Rational articulation of the architectural forms

 Use of the traditional Christian basilical form

o But