Architecture has always been an important art demonstrating people’s vision of specific values particular to a certain epoch. The change in forms and shapes is usually linked to the alteration in views on beauty and people’s mentalities. Architects have always tried to represent the most relevant concepts and embody important messages and ideas.
For this reason, religious buildings play a critical role in the history of architecture. In most cultures, faith was a fundamental aspect of their functioning, meaning that churches, temples, or other structures were the most significant buildings in any community, and it was important to make them unique to underline the power of God. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Parthenon, and Hagia Sophia were created to make the divine present accessible and impress people.
Religious architecture belonging to different epochs has various features and unique style elements. However, it serves the same purpose, which is to show the power of faith, God, and its representatives in this world. Thus, the ancient giant buildings of the Pyramids of Giza are the result of the god-kings and are viewed as funerary architecture.
Pharaohs were revered as gods in human form, meaning that their tombs should be different from usual ones. The construction of colossal and extremely complex buildings took several decades and demanded the effort of the whole nation. However, it was a perfect demonstration of the power of religion and Gods. Unique buildings were seen from afar and helped to persuade people that their kings were divine creatures with extraordinary abilities.
The Parthenon belonging to the ancient Greek culture, also helped people to realize the divine presence and accept the existence of their Gods. It is a monumental and beautiful building dedicated to Athena, the patroness of Athens. The religious beliefs of ancient Greeks emphasized the presence of numerous divine creatures having their roles and playing an essential role in the life of people.
For this reason, it was necessary to create the real manifestation of their power and greatness. The Parthenon has shapes typical for the religious architecture of that period. Columns make the building look light and monumental at the same time. At the same time, the complexity of the idea and style demonstrates the importance of religion and makes the concept of the divine closer to people.
Finally, Hagia Sophia is another example of how religious architecture makes God accessible to people. It was constructed at the first and most important stages of Christianity’s rise. The new religion demanded real profs of its power and the might of God. For this reason, the giant and beautiful building, with its outstanding dome and combination of different shapes, had to express religious people and provide them with a place of worship capable of representing the almighty nature of the Holy Spirit.
Altogether, the three different buildings demonstrate the peculiarities of religious architecture of various epochs. However, they serve the same purpose, which is to impress common people and make the divine present. The unusual shapes, giant size, and complexity of construction had made believers think about the miraculous nature of such places and influenced their views. Being central places in any community, religious buildings helped to emphasize the power of religion through their look and unique architecture. They were dedicated to Gods and represented their power on Earth.