Sovranità Imperiale. Dal Simbolismo all'Espressione Architettonica nella Cultura di Corte Bizantina, Carolingia e Islamica (VIII-X secolo d.C.)
Alessandro Tosini
(C. 1) The Byzantine thought described the Emperor as intermediary between immanent and transcendent dimension of God, whose work could be perceived by men thanks to aesthetics Patristics. Since God is balance, his temporal representative on Earth legitimized role preserving balance prosperity Empire. Literary constructs from Bible Qu'ran provided remarkable metaphors for characterization such a suzerain. attribution features archetypal rule took forms either roman exemplum - sort aware imitation or Christian typologia. focus was David, chosen Victorious Cantor; Solomon, Wise Judge Builder. court culture Mediterranean Middle-Eastern Dynastic Empires shaped ideology legitimizing according most convenient elements tradition these two characters. 2) Sacred Texts monotheistic religions were studied interpreted traditionists theologians throughout Late Antiquity Dark Ages: efforts brought codification King Solomon's throne hall an ultimate, universal symbol majesty. basic interpretation liturgy ceremonial judgment wrapped concretion meanings shapes, which determined construction effective imagery during Middle Ages. From 8th 10th century palace kingdom where involved in creation series architectural sceneries majesty core, heart medieval kingship symbolic representation. Both Arabian sources witness presence composite devices at courts Constantinople Samarra, under reign Theophilus Mutawakkil. relevant examples appeared century. liturgical apparatus caliphal reception Baghdad 917 AD retraced thirty years later Throne Solomon Magnaura, Great Palace Constantinople. 3) metaphorical related also explained relevance imperial building activity powerful means self-legitimization. provides detailed account Temple Jerusalem, have been considered amongst important entities since Antique Period. following commentaries enriched set outstanding works undertaken resorting salient concepts pre-Islamic narratives Syrian Yemenite palaces. Islamic even characterizes process king achieved brilliant results. Architecture became king's rule, hinting divine nature legitimacy monarch's power. This principle explicitly conceived inside traditional exegesis Solomon; nevertheless, it developed ideological metaphor 4) Many recall pride various Caliphs who undertook campaign. Court explicit glory. description this particular aspect suzerain's policy milestone historiographical works; times, claimed its independence literary genre. biography Charlemagne, Louis Pious, Theophilus, Basil I, well Western Annales histories geographical emphasized primary governance. A fundamental shared richness employed materials, magniloquence urban ensembles. 5) While speculation framework ideology, connection with classical one contents Culture A.D. text deals types expression issue. shifting Capital Rome along some cases Roman models early period. After Antiquity, heritage Classicism tended seen different ways. Imperial element Culture; other ways, base Carolingian ideology. Aachen celebrated Charlemagne's Jerusalem; involvement ancient materials cultural aspects renovatio Imperii. Re-use spolia very common habit, alternately led terms damnatio memoriae, trying highlight glorious continuity present times. 6) Connections late Cosmic Family kings not just theoretical, but rely practical instruments. Diplomacy favored way exchange among dynastic ambassador's visit direct means, behavioral undergo international migration. radical interaction consisted mutual assistance accomplishment campaigns. embassy itself communication, through transmission gift narration ‘exotic' habits rival courts. (C.7) structure Hall Reception and, consequently, whole Palace. factor field represented social composition crowd dignitaries, State liturgy. Primary considerations must done about group persons directly associated dignity. idea Empire hardly reconciled principles strictly monarchic political model. etiquette allow coexistence emperor co-emperor(s) receptions. ritual co-existence suzerain son co-emperor leitmotif succession 814 A.D., while separated duality Caliph Heir hierarchical organization Abbasid At Cordova, near brothers receptions autonomy Andalusia power caliphates Cairo. These configurations reflected cores. 8) typology Palace, Ages, derived domus, theoretically reported number glossaria, survived Medieval sources. needs reconsidered. juxtaposition Persian central throne-hall basilica obsolete. compared analysis historical regarding shows interesting Any place solemn modulation three kind space. centripetal area reserved throne; followed longitudinal space, formation dignitaries take place. Another cross-cultural point contact extraordinary transformation typological entity ceremonies great pomp. complex changed form, need showing magnificence best, symbols architecture