Synthronon Typology in Byzantine Architecture

Abstract

This research aims to establish a typology of synthronons observed in Byzantine architecture. Rather than providing detailed information or listing all examples in Anatolia, the study focuses on conveying all distinctive features and types through a few representative examples, clearly understood from the provided typology drawing. Additionally, a synthronon type specific to Syrian churches, absent in Anatolian examples, has been included in the typology. The research is limited to churches from the Early and Middle Byzantine Periods (4th - 12th centuries), primarily located in Constantinople and Anatolia. Consistent findings regarding synthronon dimensions have been obtained, indicating that synthronons within the Byzantine Empire, except for those in Anatolia and Syria, share typological similarities. The established typology, based on identified types in Anatolia, exhibits characteristics applicable to Byzantine church architecture as a whole.