Trdat

(Tiridat, Tirdat). Born in the mid-tenth century; died in the early 11th century. Armenian architect.

Trdat was the court architect of the Ani kings of the Bagratid dynasty. He founded an art school that dominated Armenian architecture in the tenth and 11th centuries. His principal works are a cathedral of the “domed hall” type in Argina (977–988), a domed basilica in Ani (989–1001), and the round, three-tiered Church of St. Gregory in Ani (Gagikashen, 1001–10). These works are distinguished for their perfect arching and vaulting and harmonious clarity of spacial composition, as well as for the laconic expressiveness of their carved interior ornament. Trdat also restored the dome of the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Constantinople in 989–992.