History of early and simple domes

Part of a series on
Domes
Symbolism
History of
Early and simple domes Persian domes Roman and Byzantine domes Medieval Arabic and Western European domes Italian Renaissance domes South Asian domes Early modern period domes Modern period domes
Styles
Cloister vault Geodesic dome Onion dome
Elements
Coffer Cupola Lantern Muqarnas Oculus Pendentive Rotunda Squinch Tholobate Whispering gallery
Category Architecture portal
v t e

Cultures from pre-history to modern times constructed domed dwellings using local materials. Although it is not known when or where the first dome was created, sporadic examples of early domed structures have been discovered. Brick domes from the ancient Near East and corbelled stone domes have been found from the Middle East to Western Europe. These may indicate a common source or multiple independent traditions. A variety of materials have been used, including wood, mudbrick, or fabric. Indigenous peoples around the world produce similar structures today.