Praxis II Art Content Knowledge Free Test Prep

Answer - A - The pendentive, a key architectural feature, was first developed in the Hagia Sophia.

Key Takeaway: The Hagia Sophia was the first structure to truly show several of the great Byzantine innovations, including the pendentive-a triangular piece upon which a dome rested on one side and the other two sides channeled the weight down to a pier below. The pendentive allowed the walls to be greatly opened for more window space. The Hagia Sophia is a massive structure, with forty windows surrounding the base of the dome, allowing the congregation to be bathed in a great circle of light, similar to a halo.