Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/467

Rh Bk. IX. Ch. Ill, DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE. 451 of the house. In others, as in that at Rifacli (Woodcut No. 893), it seems to have been intended for the offices. In some instances one is startled to find details which we are accustomed to associate with much more modern dates ; as, for instance, this window (Woodcut No. 894), from the palace at Chagga, which there seems no reason whatever for doubting, belongs to the 3d century — anterior to time of Constantine ! It looks more like the vagary of a French architect of the age of Francis I. The sepulchral remains of Syria, both structural and rock-cut, seem nearly as numerous as the dwellings of the living, and are full of interest, not only from their frequently bearing- dates, but from their presenting new types of tombs, or old types in such new forms as scarcely to be recognizable. Till, however, the illustra- tions are accompanied by some explanatory text it is scarcely safe to say much about them. 894. Window at Chagga. De Vogiie.) (From With our present limits it is only possible to characterize generally the main features of the Byzantine style, and to indicate the sources irom which further information may be obtained. In the present in- stance it is satisfactory to find that ample materials now exist for filling up a framework which a few years ago was almost entirely a blank. Any one who will master the works of De Voaiie, or Texier, or Salzenberg, and other minor publications, may easily acquire a fair knowledge of the older Byzantine style of architecture. Once it is grasped it will probably be acknowledged that there are few more interesting chapters than that which explains how a perfect Christian church like that of Sta. Sophia was elaborated out of the classical edifices of ancient Rome. It will also probably be found that there are few more instructive lessons to be learned from the study of archi- tectural history than the tracing of the various contrivances which were so earnestly employed, during the first two centuries of Christian supremacy, in attaining this result.