EARLY CHRISTIAN

After 300 years of persecution at the hands of the Romans, it’s no wonder that EVERYTHING in this time period proclaimed Jesus Christ and Christianity! Because they were no longer hiding and worshiping in private homes they are letting it all hang out. They take the concepts that they are familiar with and that work – Roman temples – and modify them for churches and places of worship to focus attention on the one god of Christianity. But now without all the sculpture that the Romans valued, which could be considered idolatry.

 When they did start to build these large churches two distinct styles developed: a modified basilica and a centralized church. The modified basilica took the traditional shape of a roman basilica, long and narrow central hall, and added a transept to create the shape of the Latin cross. The centralized church was built outward from a central point. Here are some examples of these two styles.

Another typical feature of Early Christian time period are mosaic images of Christ and symbols of Christianity. These were meant to be illustrative and were elaborate. The motifs were Christ himself, the lamb/shepherd, and fish among others.

Influence on Modern Design

These Christian style isn’t so radically different from the Roman designs before this period or the Byzantine style that is developing simultaneously that you would say, “Wow! That is soooooo Early Christian!” However, you can certainly see the influence of the earliest church styles in the modern day.