Early Christian Church Architecture

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the narthex in an early Christian church?

It acts as a portico designated for penitents. (correct)

It is a height from which sermons are given.

It is the primary area for singing hymns.

It serves as the main gathering area for worship.

Which architectural feature is described as a raised stand for reading the gospels?

Ambo (correct)

Tribune

Bema

Apse

What is the main purpose of a baldachin in a church?

To serve as a decorative element over the altar. (correct)

To provide seating for the congregation.

To separate the nave from the aisles.

To mark the entrance to the church.

Which area of the church is the sanctuary primarily associated with?

The main altar. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the tribune in an early Christian church?

It is where the bishops' throne is located. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of capitals in Byzantine architecture?

To act as decorative elements Signup and view all the answers

Which material was extensively used in the interior decoration of Byzantine structures?

Costly marbles and glass mosaics Signup and view all the answers

What type of carving technique was primarily used in Byzantine ornamentation?

Low relief carving Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the patterning in Byzantine architecture?

Geometric or symbolic designs Signup and view all the answers

How were the origins of columns in Byzantine architecture often described?

Recycled from ancient structures Signup and view all the answers

What architectural feature was adopted in response to the eastern influence to protect against the sun?

Small windows Signup and view all the answers

Which materials were used to take advantage of bright sunlight in architecture?

Stained glass and mosaics Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Jesus begin his preaching in Galilee?

27 AD Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of the Jews after Jesus' ministry?

They arrested him for offending their God Signup and view all the answers

What is the belief about Jesus that led to the birth of Christianity?

He was the Messiah and the Son of God Signup and view all the answers

What is a baldachino?

A canopy over an altar Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a Cancelli in an early Christian Basilica?

To separate the clergy from the congregation Signup and view all the answers

What is a sarcophagus?

A decorative stone coffin Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Diaconicon typically located in an early Christian church?

South side of the Bema Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does a sacristy serve in a church?

It is where the church's sacred vessels and vestments are kept Signup and view all the answers

What is the Prothesis in an eastern church?

A chapel for preparing Eucharistic elements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a major Papal Basilica in Rome?

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following quotes refers to the beauty of an architectural structure?

So fair a church as this had Venice none Signup and view all the answers

What was a principal characteristic of early Christian basilican churches?

They were inspired by Roman basilicas. Signup and view all the answers

Which area of a basilican church is used for washing before entering?

Atrium Signup and view all the answers

What element commonly adorned the interiors of early Christian churches?

Mosaics Signup and view all the answers

Where was the bishop's seat typically located in a basilican church?

Apse Signup and view all the answers

What defined the structure of the nave in a basilican church?

It featured clerestory windows for light. Signup and view all the answers

What architectural feature creates a Latin cross plan in some basilican churches?

Transept Signup and view all the answers

Which basilica was erected near the site of St. Peter's martyrdom?

Old St. Peter's Basilica Signup and view all the answers

What feature was occasionally included for women in early basilican churches?

Galleries Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Church Architecture Terminology

Exedra: A large apsidal extension of a church's interior volume.
Narthex: A portico before the nave, specifically for penitents in early Christian or Byzantine churches.
Esonarthex: An inner narthex present when two are utilized.
Exonarthex: An outer covered walkway before the inner narthex.
Nave: The central part of a church, extending from the narthex to the choir, typically flanked by aisles.
Aisles: Longitudinal divisions of a church separated from the nave by columns or piers.
Ambo/Ambon: Raised stands for reading or chanting the gospels or epistles in an early Christian church.
Apse: A circular or polygonal projection at a building's end, typically vaulted, found especially at the sanctuary.
Tribune: The bishop's throne located in a recess or apse in the church.
Bema: A transverse space separating the nave from the apse, which evolved into the transept in later cruciform churches.
Sanctuary: A sacred area in a church housing the principal altar.

Altar: The table where the Eucharist is celebrated, also known as a communion table.
Baldachin: An ornamental canopy of stone or marble placed over the altar; variations include baldachino and ciborium.
Cancelli: A low screen in early Christian basilicas separating clergy and choir from the congregation.
Sarcophagus: A stone coffin often artistically inscribed or sculpted, used as a monument.
Diaconicon: A sacristy in an early Christian or Eastern church typically located on the south side of the bema.
Sacristy/Vestry: A room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are stored.
Prothesis: A chapel in an eastern church for preparing Eucharistic elements, usually on the bema's north side.

Major Papal Basilicas in Rome

San Giovanni in Laterano: Also known as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
San Pietro in Vaticano: Known as St. Peter’s Basilica.
Santa Maria Maggiore: The Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major.
San Paolo fuori le mura: St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Byzantine Church Architecture (330-1453 A.D.)

Materials: Used lead sheets or hollow earthenware to reduce structural thrust.
Columns: Often recycled from ancient structures; capitals varied from Roman styles to new designs.
- Function: Primarily decorative or supportive, with massive piers for the superstructure.
Mouldings: Internal surfaces featured flat expanses with occasional ornamentation, while external treatment was simpler.
Decoration: Use of costly marbles and glass mosaics with symbolic representations. The interior had seamless mosaic transitions from wall to dome, with distinct patterns.

Early Christian Architectural Characteristics (313-800 A.D.)

Continuation of Roman Craft: Utilized materials recycled from Roman temples for new church constructions.
Basilican Plan: Early Christian churches followed Roman basilica designs.
Structural Elements: Featured rows of columns, truss roofs, and sometimes vaulted side aisles.
Colorful Interiors: Interiors were decorated with vibrant mosaics.

Key Features of Early Christian Basilican Churches

Atrium: Open forecourt used for washing before church entry, surrounded by arcades.
Narthex: Entrance area designated for penitents.
Nave and Aisles: Nave lit by clerestory windows, often with half-width aisles; some had double aisles.
Galleries: Sometimes included for women above the aisles.
Transept: Occasionally added, forming a Latin cross layout.
Choir and Chancel: Enclosed by low screens and equipped with ambos for scripture readings.
Apse and Altar: Featured the bishop’s seat and altar, often covered with a baldachino. Initially, altars were placed in front before being moved against the east wall.

Notable Example

Old Basilican Church of St. Peter: Erected around A.D. 330; notable for its transept and architectural features like the arch of triumph.

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Description

This quiz explores key architectural features of early Christian churches, including terms such as exedra, narthex, and nave. Test your knowledge of these structural elements and their significance in church design. Perfect for students of art history or architecture enthusiasts.