Trdat (architect) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Trdat the Architect
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|---|---|
| Born | 940s |
| Died | 1020 |
| Nationality | Armenian |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Buildings | Ani Cathedral Church of St. Gregory (1001-1010) Argina Cathedral Haghpat Monastery |
| Projects | Restoration of the Dome of the Haghia Sophia (989-994) |
Trdat the Architect (born around 940s, died 1020) was a very important architect from Armenia. He worked for the Bagratid kings of Armenia. Trdat is famous for designing the amazing cathedral in Ani and for fixing the huge dome of the Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople.
Trdat's Amazing Buildings
Trdat was a busy architect both in Armenia and in the Byzantine Empire. He designed many important buildings.
Working in Armenia
Trdat created many buildings in Armenia. This was before and after he worked on the Hagia Sophia.
In 961, King Ashot III moved his capital to the city of Ani. Trdat helped build new palaces and strong walls there. The main church leader, called the Catholicos, also moved. Trdat finished building the Catholicos's palace and the Mother Cathedral of Ani.
This cathedral is a great example of a church with a cross shape. It also has a large dome on top. People also believe Trdat designed or watched over the building of Surb Nshan. This church, completed in 991, is the oldest part of Haghpat Monastery.
Helping the Byzantine Empire
In 989, a big earthquake hit. It caused part of the dome of Hagia Sophia to fall down. This famous church is in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey).
Officials from the Byzantine Empire asked Trdat for help. They called him to Byzantium to fix the dome. Trdat led the repair work. The rebuilt dome was finished by 994. This shows how skilled he was as an architect.
