Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey and Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy, are two examples of churches from the 6th and 5th centuries respectively. Hagia Sophia is an example of Byzantine architecture while Santa Maria Maggiore is an example of Roman arch

1.Examine the fall of the western half of the Roman Empire. What contributed to its fall?

2.Compare and contrast the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire and examine the development of the unique Byzantine culture. Discuss this in terms of social, political and economic structures.

DQ:Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey and Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy, are two examples of churches from the 6th and 5th centuries respectively. Hagia Sophia is an example of Byzantine architecture while Santa Maria Maggiore is an example of Roman architecture. Note the similarities and differences between these two churches. What can we learn from architecture about the culture in which it was built? Use the websites below to guide your answer. More information on differences may be found in this week's announcements.