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.

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