10th-century Byzantine domes

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The cross-in-square is the most common church plan from the 10th century until the fall of Constantinople in 1453.^[1] This type of plan, with four columns supporting the dome at the crossing, was best suited for domes less than 7 meters (23 ft) wide and, from the 10th to the 14th centuries, a typical Byzantine dome measured less than 6 meters (20 ft) in diameter. For domes beyond that width, variations in the plan were required such as using piers in place of the columns and incorporating further buttressing around the core of the building.^[2] The distinctive rippling eaves design for the roofs of domes began in the 10th century. In mainland Greece, circular or octagonal drums became the most common.^[3]

In the Middle Byzantine period, more complex plans emerge, such as the integrated chapels of Theotokos of Lips, a monastic church in Constantinople that was built around 907. It included four small chapels on its second floor gallery level that may have been domed.^[4]

The palace chapel of the Myrelaion in Constantinople was built around 920 as a cross-in-square church and remains a good example.^[4] Another example of a 10th century cross-in-square church in Constantinople is A. Ioannēs en tō Troullō.^[5]

Greece

The earliest cross-in-square in Greece is the Panagia church at the monastery of Hosios Loukas, dated to the late 10th century, but variations of the type can be found from southern Italy to Russia and Anatolia. They served in a wide variety of church roles, including domestic, parish, monastic, palatial, and funerary.^[4]

Other examples of 10th century cross-in-square churches include the katholicon of the Great Lavra monastery, A. Germanos in Prespa [bg], Panagia Panaxiotissa Church, Church of the Holy Apostles in Athens, the katholikon of Vatopedi monastery, the chapel of A. Dēmētrios at Vatopedi monastery, the katholikon of the Monastery of Iviron, the A. Ioannēs prod. chapel at the Monastery of Iviron, and the old katholikon of Xenophontos Monastery.^[5]

Cyprus

A. Antonios in Kellia, Cyprus is a 10th century cross-in-square church.^[5]

10th-century Byzantine domes

Greece

Cyprus

Southern Italy

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