Blockchain technology, at its core, revolutionizes the way we handle data, execute transactions, and establish consensus. Two prevalent architectural models have emerged in the blockchain space: Monolithic Blockchains and Modular Blockchains. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the intricacies, advantages, and disadvantages of each, using examples like Celestia and Polygon Avail to highlight the evolution of blockchain technology. Monolithic Blockchains: A Unified Structure Bitcoin's Monolithic Workflow Monolithic blockchains, such as Bitcoin, Solana, and early Ethereum, embody a distributed system with a single, unified structure. The entire process, from transaction validation to consensus and settlement, occurs within a single layer. Bitcoin's Monolithic Process - A Bitcoin node receives a transaction, verifies the signature, and ensures compliance with consensus rules. - Valid transactions enter the mempool for potential inclusion in a block. - Miners select tr...