Middle Ages: Early Christian

The Early Christian period lasted from 330-800 C.E. Christianity prospered under the persecution and was basically an underground religion. Many adherents to the Christian faith were of the lower class. Christianity promoted access to God through the death and atonement of Jesus Christ which provided great hope especially those in the lower classes.
Emperor Constantine recognized Christianity as a valid religon in 313 C.E. Constantine legalized Christianity though the Edict of Milan. He declared Christianity an official religion with all rights and privileges of other state religions. Christians could now have houses of worship and display holy artifacts. Constantine believed he had received a sign from God before the battle of Milvian Bridge. This sign was a vision of a shield containing a Christian cross. Emperor's had ceased to be considered "divine" and due to this vision, Constantine secured the support of the Christian Church.
Early Christians met in homes or existing buildings. The need for new facilities for worship became necessary, due to the rising number of believers. Roman temples were not constructed to accommodate group worship or taking of the Eucharist, a ceremony reserved for believers. Characteristics of early Christian architecture include:

• centrally planned buildings
• separate baptisteries
• adaptation of Roman basilica form for churches
• separation of interior of churches into nave and flanking aisles
• clerestory windows
• entrance of church opposite apse
• towers flanking exonarthex
• chief goal was to glorify God

A prime example of Early Christian architecture is the Old St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. It was built in 330 C.E. and is the chief monument of Christianity. It is believed to be the tomb or St. Peter the apostle. The exterior is plain while the interior is very elaborate. It is constructed of masonry walls, clerestory windows, wood roof, and wood truss ceilings. The nave was as high as many Gothic cathedrals to come. The total length of the cathedral is 700 feet. The interiors are covered with frescos of biblical accounts from the Old and New Testament.

An example of early Christian architecture in Italy and Spain is Sant' Apllinare In Classe-Ravenna, built in 535-538 C.E. It is defined by geometric volume. There are 24 columns of Greek marble. There is a triumphal arch, semi vaulted apse with mosaics, and mullion windows with three openings. 

There are very few examples of Early Christian furniture still in existence. They were elaborate and richly decorated with carvings and jewels. These furniture pieces follow the roman style. Storage within the church structure was the most important furniture object of this period. 

Paintings, murals, and frescos were very important during this time period. Images portrayed were of Christ the good shepherd, the apostles, and Mary. Motifs of the time included crosses, doves, fish, grapevines, and lambs.

Past Examples:

Current Examples:

Extra Credit:
This is a documentary on the first 1000 years of Christianity:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKOoPcHxPhU
This is a video about early basilicas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1HVlFQ-t3M

Peer Review:
Haley: I like how you included how in the beginning of the time period the majority of christians were lower class because they needed the hope of the new religion. I also like how you included the fact that the main goal was to glorify God.
Holli: You did a very nice job of including all of the information in a clear and concise way. I also think you did a good job of choosing past examples that help the reader understand key characteristics.