Early Christian Church Architecture

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 and Related Features

• 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.