Byzantine Empire Architecture

The Byzantine Empire's architecture highlights arches, domes, and windows. A lot of the architecture must be left over from the Roman empire, and the Romans must have been very interested in showing off their beauty. Therefore I believe a lot of the architecture is designed to be decorative, with its arches and domes. I also believe it is functional. A lot the windows were stained glass or the walls featured paintings, usually depicting religion, Christianity. I assume those paintings were there so people who couldn't read religious texts would still be able to know the stories through the pictures. And the multitude of windows would allow lots of natural light.

Besides the stained glass windows in certain Catholic windows, I don't think American architecture is influenced in any way by Roman architecture. American architecture is much more modern. Still, decorative, but in a different way.