Which structural adaptation allowed Hagia Sophia's dome to surpass earlier Roman domes in diameter?

💡 Explanation

When designing Hagia Sophia, architects Anthemius and Isidore used lighter pumice concrete for the dome because its lower density reduced the overall weight and stress on the supporting structure, enabling a larger span. Therefore lighter concrete use results, rather than iron, catenary arches, or pre-stressed stone, which involve different material properties and stress distributions.

• Which optical consequence explains the limited resolution observed in Ibn al-Haytham's early lens experiments?
• Which optical outcome arose from Alhazen's experiments on light refraction by spherical segments?
• Which outcome occurs when Roman siege towers approach fortified walls on soft ground?
• Which risk increases when a wooden sailing ship experiences prolonged exposure to marine borers in warm waters?
• Which risk increased for Roman legions during winter campaigns on roads beyond fixed fortifications?
• Which outcome occurred when bronze-age metallurgists smelted arsenical copper ore without proper ventilation?