Early Christian Exploration!

The death of Jesus and the birth of Christianity 330-800 C.E.

       After the death of Jesus, Christianity was a new religion. Although Rome was tolerant of most religions, Christianity posed a threat to the emperor and those with power. Christians did not believe the emperor to be divine. With this, the persecution of Christians began. Christianity had to be an underground religion, practiced while in hiding. Physical remaining structures such as the catacombs prove to show how vast Christianity had spread with its many believers.  

        An example of hiding and secrecy. One fish was drawn by a Christian, the second fish would be drawn by another Christian, symbolizing the trust that can be had between each other. In between the two fish is the symbol of a cross, which could not be drawn on its own.  

Emperor Constantine 

       Constantine ruled Rome from 306-337. In 313 he declared that Christianity was a valid religion and, through the Edict of Milan, he made Christianity an official religion with rights and privileges. He made it known that an Emperor has no divinity. Even after his reign, all but one of his successors were Christians. 

Building up Christianity...Early Christian Architecture

      After meeting and practicing in homes and abandoned buildings, the widespread growth of Christianity called for new buildings of their own. Christians needed a building that could accommodate many worshipers and the constant movement created when receiving of the Eucharist. Thus the Roman basilica plan was developed. It took common basilica forms and added trancept areas on the sides, which also mimics the symbol of a cross. Buildings were centrally planned and had separate bapistries. The main goal of the design was to have a structure that glorifies God.

• Old St. Peter's Cathedral - Built 330 C.E. in Rome. It is the monumental church of Christianity, the tomb of St. Peter. Plain exterior and intricate interior with many frescoes. Masonry walls and wood roof, had the highest nave of its time. The groundbreaking for the new St. Peter's basilica wasn't until 1506. 

• Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe - Built from 535-538 C.E. in Ravenna, Italy. This building is defined by its geometric volume. The interior includes a semi-vaulted dome and 24 marvelous Greek marble columns.

Furniture

         Very few examples remain, however pieces reflected the roman style and were very elaborate and detailed. Lots of reliefs and carvings, motifs and scenes of life. Storage is considered one of the most important pieces of furniture used during the Early Christian times.

Inspiration reflected in today's designs

Fun (yet gruesome) fact!

       At the time of the Edict of Milan, the Roman Empire was at war with Persia. Rome was considering that the Christians in Persia were allies. Because of that, the Persian Empire persecuted their Christians and in result, thousands were martyred. 

Until next class!