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8th-century architecture was marked by the expansion of Islamic, Byzantine, and Carolingian influences. The Islamic world saw the construction of iconic structures like the Great Mosque of Córdoba, showcasing horseshoe arches and intricate arabesques. Byzantine architecture continued refining domed basilicas, as seen in the Hagia Sophia’s influence across the Eastern Mediterranean. Meanwhile, the Carolingian Renaissance in Western Europe, under Charlemagne, revived Roman architectural principles, leading to the early development of Romanesque styles, exemplified by monasteries and palatial complexes like the Palatine Chapel in Aachen.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is a profound architectural expression of the layered histories of al-Andalus. Originally commissioned in 785 CE by Abd al-Rahman I, the first Umayyad emir of Córdoba,…
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