Medieval Architecture: The Basilica that Meets Religious Needs

The Material Repository of Ancient Western Art

After the onset of Christian rule, the focus shifted from ancient Greek and Roman mythology to the Christian theological system. By the medieval period, art developed a new style distinct from previous forms.

Medieval Architecture: The Basilica that Meets Religious Needs

1. With the change in religion, the entire landscape of Western art transformed during the medieval period. This transformation did not signify an evolution into something better; rather, it gave rise to a unique medieval artistic style, particularly evident in architectural forms. The most enduring legacy we see today is church architecture.
2. The concept of “medieval” lacks a clear academic definition of its beginning and end. A reliable distinction can be marked in 476 AD when the Western Roman Empire fell due to invasions by northern tribes, leading to a Western Europe that was governed by these tribes yet still adhered to Christianity. Therefore, this year can be regarded as the beginning of the medieval era.
3. The end of the medieval period is also subject to various interpretations. Generally, it is considered to conclude with the onset of the Renaissance, but the exact starting point of this period is not easily defined by a specific year. Thus, the end of the medieval era can be roughly placed around 1254, when the last Crusade ended, coinciding with the Southern Song Dynasty in China.
4. The medieval period lasted about a thousand years and is often referred to as the “Dark Ages.” The term “dark” contrasts it with the subsequent Renaissance, which is viewed as a time that brought civilization to the Western world. Consequently, the relatively uncivilized and repressive medieval times are regarded as “dark.”
5. The most representative architecture of the medieval period is the basilica. The term “basilica” derives from Latin, originally meaning “palace.” The church architecture of the medieval period began as adaptations of basilica-style palaces. The Venetian Public Library exemplifies this architectural form, characterized by a rectangular space with the main entrance on one long side. Medieval churches modified this by placing the entrance on one of the shorter sides.
6. After Christianity became the state religion, the religious needs diverged significantly from previous practices. In ancient Rome and Greece, religious ceremonies were presided over by high priests, and large public participation was not required; thus, religious buildings did not need extensive interior spaces. Christianity, on the other hand, required congregants to gather for sermons, necessitating enclosed spaces that could accommodate large numbers of people. The church, evolved from the basilica-style palace, fulfilled this requirement.
7. In terms of architectural layout, basilica-style churches typically present a cruciform shape. The cross is arguably the most important symbol of Christianity, so nearly all significant churches adopted this structure, albeit with variations that distinguish between the Latin cross and the Greek cross. This distinction stems from the schism of the Eastern and Western churches, where the Eastern church preached in Greek, resulting in a cross where all sides are equal in length, exemplified by the Hagia Sophia. In contrast, the Western church preached in Latin, leading to a cross that is short horizontally and long vertically.
8. Functionally, basilica-style churches are divided into the nave, aisles, and apse. Generally, congregants enter through side doors; the nave serves as the gathering area for worshippers, while the aisles are positioned on either side, requiring attendees to enter the nave through the aisles rather than the central passage.
9. The apse of a basilica-style church typically features a dome above and a cylindrical base, resembling a theater stage where all religious ceremonies are performed. The dome is a form that later architecture consistently pursued, as preaching from it symbolizes the voice from heaven. From a physical standpoint, the dome shape effectively amplifies sound, facilitating the transmission of voices during sermons.