12 Questions
What was the influence of Roman art on Early Christian architecture?
It had a significant influence, leading to the development of monumental Christian architecture.
What was the architectural model for the basilican church in Early Christian architecture?
Roman basilica
Who is known for propelling the spread of Christianity, which influenced Early Christian architecture?
St. Peter
What significant change did Constantine make that impacted Early Christian architecture?
He changed Rome as the capital to Byzantine.
What architectural form is typical of Early Christian Basilicas?
Rectangular with an apse for the altar at one end
What architectural feature distinguishes Santa Sabina in Rome, c. 422-432, as an important Early Christian structure?
Human-scale size
What is the significance of the centralized domed interior space in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem, c. 345?
Symbolizes the spiritual theme of the dome of heaven
What is the main purpose of a baptistery in Early Christian architecture?
To serve as a separate building for the sacrament of baptism
What type of building was the chief building type during the Early Christian period?
Churches
What type of art was the Byzantine art called due to the cosmopolitan character of the Eastern Empire?
Eclectic
What influenced the avoidance of sculpture as a representation of human or animal form during the Early Christian period?
Fear of idolatry
What did Byzantine architecture quicken and accelerate when compared with Early Christian architecture?
Longitudinal arrangement
Study Notes
Influence of Roman Art
- Roman art influenced Early Christian architecture
Basilican Church Model
- Basilican church model in Early Christian architecture was inspired by Roman basilicas
Spread of Christianity
- Emperor Constantine propelled the spread of Christianity, influencing Early Christian architecture
Constantine's Impact
- Constantine made a significant change by legalizing Christianity, leading to the development of Christian architecture
Typical Early Christian Basilicas
- Typical Early Christian Basilicas feature a longitudinal architectural form
Santa Sabina, Rome
- Santa Sabina in Rome (c. 422-432) is an important Early Christian structure, distinguished by its wooden door with carved gospel scenes
Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem
- The centralized domed interior space in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem (c. 345), symbolizes the unity and centrality of Christ
Baptistery
- The main purpose of a baptistery in Early Christian architecture was to facilitate baptism, a crucial sacrament in Christianity
Chief Building Type
- Basilicas were the chief building type during the Early Christian period
Byzantine Art
- Byzantine art, characterized by its cosmopolitan nature, was known as "Eastern Roman"
Avoidance of Sculpture
- The avoidance of sculpture as a representation of human or animal form during the Early Christian period was influenced by the biblical prohibition on idolatry
Byzantine Architecture
- Byzantine architecture accelerated and quickened the development of Christian architecture when compared with Early Christian architecture
Test your knowledge of Early Christian architecture with this quiz. Explore the features and significance of structures such as the House Church at Dura Europos, Santa Costanzá, and Santa Sabina.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
