Accessibility statement

The Art of the Dome: Building Heaven on Earth in the Early Medieval World - HOA00020I

« Back to module search

  • Department: History of Art
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module summary

The module introduces students to the buildings most commonly associated with domed features in late antiquity and the (European) early medieval period.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module will explore the various ways in which a particular architectural feature - the dome - could be used, both internally and externally, for specific symbolic purpose in the late antique and early medieval periods, from the Pantheon in Rome in the second century CE to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem at the end of the seventh century CE. Linking these widely varied structures (built in different ways to serve different functions among different cultures with different belief systems) are the domes, and in each case these have been constructed and decorated in ways that make it clear they were intended to make the heavens physically (yet symbolically) present on earth. This module is thus concerned to explore the issues underpinning this phenomenon, in terms of the construction of the domes, their scale, their varying contexts, the intentions of the patrons, and the responses elicited among those encountering them, and the possible impact of the structures on each other. Through formal and iconographic approaches the module will, therefore, raise wide-ranging questions about the role of architecture in late antique, early Christian and early Islamic cultures; about ways of engaging with the architectural features in sacred contexts; and with the decoration associated with such features.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students should have an understanding of:

  • The architectural feature of the dome in late antiquity and the early medieval period

  • The ways in which architecture can function symbolically

  • How to assess such symbolic potentials

  • The ways in which symbolic vocabularies can be adopted, appropriated and re-articulated by different cultures across Europe and the Levant

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive feedback on assessed work within the timeframes set out by the University - please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

The purpose of feedback is to help you to improve your future work. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further, you are warmly encouraged to meet your Supervisor during their Office Hours..

Indicative reading

  • Bowersock G. W., Peter Brown, and Oleg Grabar. Late Antiquity: A Guide to the Post-classical World. Edited by Bowersock G. W. London, Harvard University Press,1999.
  • Brown, Peter. The World of Late Antiquity: from Marcus Aurelius to Mohammed. London: Thames and Hudson, 1971.
  • Delius, Peter. Islam: Art and Architecture. Cologne: Konemann, 2000.
  • Elsner, Jas. Art and the Roman Viewer: the Transformation of Art from the Pagan world to Christianity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
  • Elsner, Jas. Imperial Rome and Christian Triumph. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.
  • Ettinghausen, Richard, and Oleg Grabar. The Art and Architecture of Islam 650-1250. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1987.
  • Ferguson, Everett. The Encyclopedia of Early Christianity. 2 vols. New York: Garland, 1997
  • Hillenbrand, Robert. Islamic Art and Architecture. London: Thames and Hudson, 1999.
  • Krautheimer, Richard. Three Christian Capitals: Topography and Politics. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1983.
  • Lowden, John. Early Christian and Byzantine Art. London: Phaidon, 1997.
  • Murray, Peter, and Linda Murray. The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.