Конструктивне рішення віконних рам та використання скла у середньо- та пізньовізантійській храмовій архітектурі

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to investigate the constructive solutions of windows, window frames, production and use of glass (including stained glass) in temple buildings of the Middle and Late Byzantine periods on the basis of preserved, described in sources and found ar- tifacts. Th e research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, comparative analysis, induction and deduction. An interdisciplinary methodology is used – approaches of global history, which are based on data, fi rst of all, obtained from archaeological, geographical and chemical research, as well as a comparative method and a method of analysis. The scientifi c novelty is due to the need for a thorough study of all aspects of the temple architecture of Byzantium, since today there is a great need for the restoration/reconstruction of the monuments of Roman civilization, both from the point of view of the development of tourism in the region, and for the preservation of material cultural heritage for posterity. Conclusions. The development of window glass production technology actively infl uenced its shape, size and quality. Accordingly, the direction and degree of natural lighting in the Byzantine temple depended on this. Th e shape of the windows (as well as their size) diff ered by location in diff erent parts of a particular temple (gallery walls, dome drums, apses, stair towers, etc.). The traditional types of Byzantine windows, which were found in both temple and palace architecture, are arched, round and semi-round (as well as single, double and triple). Based on the preserved window openings, it can be understood that the glass was made of a small size. For the production of window glass, workshops-ergasterias were used, where glassware was made. Th e main raw material for glass making is silica, i.e. sand, and additional impurities are potash or sodium soda. They could also add lime, ground shells and oxides of various metals to colour the glass. In the Middle and Late Byzantine period, window glass is a very rare fi nd. Th e most common form of window glass was rounded oculi, or “crown glass.” Th e typical design of a Byzantine window consisted of a lattice frame “transene” (plaster, marble, wood or lead) and inserted into it 2 or 3 rows of paired small, round, fl at glasses of the oculi type. Both ordinary col- oured and stained glass were used in Byzantine architecture.