Eudes (also Oto, Odo, Odon) of Metz was an architect of Armenian origin who lived during Charlemagne's reign in the Carolingian Empire. He is the earliest known architect born north of the Alps. He could have been of Armenian origin based on an alleged Latin inscription found in the dome of the Palatine Chapel which indicated Eudes came from the land of Noah's ark, but no evidence of the inscription has been found yet.[1][2][3][4][5]
His Carolingian architecture with polygonal plans and elaborate elevations of the buildings he created are a reminiscence of the Basilica of San Vitale of Ravenna and late Roman architecture with Byzantine style. It is unknown whether he saw these buildings himself, or only drawings of them.
Eudes had a large technical knowledge from De architectura by Vitruvius, as many Carolingian Renaissance era manuscripts of this Vitruvius's works exist.
Eudes of Metz is credited as the architect of: