Background
The Byzantine Empire lasted for over a thousand years, from CE 476, with the fall of the Roman Empire, to CE 1453, when Constantinople was taken over by the Seljuk Turks, and the Ottoman Empire was established. During this time, the Byzantines developed a very unique style of art; yet, despite their long period of existence, and continuous conflict with outsiders, Byzantine art maintained a constant stability, having little change in style over the years of its long-lasting empire.
Byzantine art is inspired mostly by liturgy of the Eastern Orthodox church; therefore, because of this connection to the liturgy, change in the style of art was discouraged because it would imply a change in the tradition of the liturgy. Furthermore, this great expression of Christian liturgy was rarely equaled in later history.
Although Byzantine art is inspired mostly by the Christian liturgy, some of its techniques originate from Greek and Egyptian art forms. In addition, throughout the course of history, the Byzantine art style, as well as inspiration from its techniques, spread throughout Europe; moreover, Byzantine art has a lasting influence on the world, and there is still evidence of the style in many churches all over Europe. Today, its major centers include Ravenna, (Italy) and Kiev, Novgorod, and Moscow (Russia).
Byzantine art is inspired mostly by liturgy of the Eastern Orthodox church; therefore, because of this connection to the liturgy, change in the style of art was discouraged because it would imply a change in the tradition of the liturgy. Furthermore, this great expression of Christian liturgy was rarely equaled in later history.
Although Byzantine art is inspired mostly by the Christian liturgy, some of its techniques originate from Greek and Egyptian art forms. In addition, throughout the course of history, the Byzantine art style, as well as inspiration from its techniques, spread throughout Europe; moreover, Byzantine art has a lasting influence on the world, and there is still evidence of the style in many churches all over Europe. Today, its major centers include Ravenna, (Italy) and Kiev, Novgorod, and Moscow (Russia).