The Byzantine churches of Sardinia

More about the book

This study offers the first comprehensive examination of Byzantine churches on Sardinia, aiming to integrate them into the broader discourse on Byzantine architecture. While local scholars have previously explored these churches, this work is unique in its thorough analysis of the entire corpus of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture on the island, comparing it with similar structures elsewhere. It details the churches' site selection, plans, metrology, construction, and materials, focusing on significant buildings near urban centers like Cagliari, Tharros, and Sant'Antioco, alongside smaller churches in the western region. The introductory chapter outlines the Byzantine history of Sardinia and its ties to the Empire. Subsequent chapters examine two churches mistakenly attributed to the Byzantine era, and the Church of San Saturnino in Cagliari, which reflects architectural advancements from Justinian's reign. Further chapters analyze other cruciform churches and a few basilica-planned buildings from this period, highlighting their common cruciform design and domes. An in-depth analysis of this architectural style spans from the fourth to the sixth centuries, revealing that most churches date to the early Byzantine period and often served funerary purposes due to their cemetery locations. The book features numerous architectural drawings and color photographs, targeting scholars and students of Byzantine and Late Antique arch