I've long thought Hagia Sophia was fascinating for so many reasons.
The recent PBS special on how its design allowed it to withstand likely 100s of earthquakes & aftershocks was amazing.
Also worth noting: the Basilica of San Vitale, in Ravenna Italy has similar mosaics to Hagia Sophia, that haven't been plastered over. At least the ones in Istanbul have been largely preserved, as far as we know.
Thank you so much for your comment. We watched that documentary! It's sooo interesting! I totally agree the mosaics in San Vitale are beautiful - there is a link to a video of them above. I'm thinking of doing a whole post on mosaics from all over the world. It seems that many societies used this art form.
I follow @archaeologymag and @PaulMMCooper on Twitter and it seems like every week or two, someone digs up a Roman road, or a Roman or Byzantine mosaic floor. The mosaics must have been a huge industry.
Also, it's worth noting that Cooper's Fall of Civilizations podcast is absolutely fantastic.
I've long thought Hagia Sophia was fascinating for so many reasons.
The recent PBS special on how its design allowed it to withstand likely 100s of earthquakes & aftershocks was amazing.
Also worth noting: the Basilica of San Vitale, in Ravenna Italy has similar mosaics to Hagia Sophia, that haven't been plastered over. At least the ones in Istanbul have been largely preserved, as far as we know.
Thank you so much for your comment. We watched that documentary! It's sooo interesting! I totally agree the mosaics in San Vitale are beautiful - there is a link to a video of them above. I'm thinking of doing a whole post on mosaics from all over the world. It seems that many societies used this art form.
I follow @archaeologymag and @PaulMMCooper on Twitter and it seems like every week or two, someone digs up a Roman road, or a Roman or Byzantine mosaic floor. The mosaics must have been a huge industry.
Also, it's worth noting that Cooper's Fall of Civilizations podcast is absolutely fantastic.
Thank you for the fantastic suggestions! I love finding new people to enrich my lives. Sincere appreciation for sharing