Byzantine

Sacred Splendor of Constantinople

I

Color Palette

Sacred Gold

#D4A012

Imperial Purple

#4A0E4E

Deep Crimson

#8B1538

Lapis Blue

#1E3A5F

Emerald

#1A5C3A

Ivory

#F5F0E1

II

Typography

Display / Uncial Antiqua

GLORIA

Heading / Cinzel

Hagia Sophia

Subheading

The Wisdom of God Made Manifest

Body / Cormorant Garamond

The Byzantine Empire preserved and transformed the artistic traditions of the ancient world, creating a visual language of sacred splendor that would influence art for over a millennium. Through shimmering gold mosaics and hieratic imagery, Byzantine artists sought to manifest heaven on earth.

Sacred Text

In Nomine Patris

III

Spacing Scale

4px
8px
16px
24px
32px
48px
64px
IV

Buttons

V

Form Elements

VI

Cards

Tesserae

The individual tiles of glass, stone, and gold leaf that compose the luminous mosaics, each piece carefully set to catch and reflect divine light.

Nimbus

The golden halo surrounding sacred figures, symbolizing divine light and spiritual illumination radiating from the holy.

Mandorla

The almond-shaped aureole enclosing figures of Christ or the Virgin, representing the intersection of heaven and earth.

VII

Data Table

Monument Location Founded Notable Feature
Hagia Sophia Constantinople 537 CE Massive dome, golden mosaics
San Vitale Ravenna 547 CE Justinian and Theodora mosaics
Chora Church Constantinople 1077 CE Anastasis fresco
St. Mark's Basilica Venice 1063 CE 85,000 sq ft of mosaics
VIII

Badges

Sacred Imperial Tyrian Martyr Heavenly IC
IX

Design Principles

Sacred Splendor

Every element should evoke the transcendent beauty of Byzantine churches. Gold dominates as the color of divine light, with jewel tones providing contrast and hierarchy.

Hieratic Formality

Maintain ceremonial dignity through symmetry, centered compositions, and formal typography. The design should command reverence and contemplation.

Tesserae Texture

Surfaces should suggest the handcrafted quality of mosaic work. Subtle grid patterns and shimmer effects evoke thousands of tiny tiles catching light.

Interlocking Geometry

Use circles, mandorlas, and Greek key patterns to create visual unity. These forms represent cosmic order and the interconnection of heaven and earth.

Imperial Authority

Purple and crimson convey power and martyrdom. Use these colors sparingly to denote importance and create visual hierarchy within the golden realm.

Luminous Depth

Create the illusion of inner light through gradients, glows, and shimmer animations. Backgrounds should feel like they emanate golden radiance.