Symbolism of domes

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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
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The symbolic meaning of the dome has developed over millennia. Although the precise origins are unknown, a mortuary tradition of domes existed across the ancient world, as well as a symbolic association with the sky. Both of these traditions may have a common root in the use of the domed hut, a shape which was associated with the heavens and translated into tombs.

The mortuary tradition has been expressed in domed mausolea, martyria, and baptisteries. The celestial symbolism was adopted by rulers in the Middle East to emphasize their divine legitimacy and was inherited by later civilizations down to the present day as a general symbol of governmental authority.