Key Ideas: -Christianity starts as an underground religion, as the pagan religion of the Romans was still the majority. -Earliest works can be found in catacombs or on sarcophagi Architecture: mostly basilican or centrally planned building -Founded by Jesus Christ in the early 1st century -Early leaders/popes were martyred such as St. Peter Early Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire but given restitution of property in 313 with the Edict of Milan. -Constantine is the single most advocator for the Christian faith, often favoring them in political positions and patronizing religious buildings. -He was officially converted on his death bed. -Christians bury their dead because it resembles the burial of Jesus Christ. -Under Rome are hundreds of miles of catacombs where Christians, Jews, and pagans are buried (cheaper too).
Index Card Images: 1. Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus 2. Petra, Treasury 3. Catacomb of Priscilla -Orant fresco -Good Shepherd fresco -Christ as the Good Shepherd mosaic 4. Santa Sabina 5. Santa Costanza
Vocabulary ambulatory apse atrium basilica plan (axial plan) catacomb central plan clerestory coffer cubical Gospels loculi lunette narthex nave Orant figure spolia transept