Click on image to open
full size in new window. | Title / Description: Early Christian Capitals
Author / Creator: Unknown
Object Type: image - architecture
Date: 4th century Commentary: The earliest examples of the church seen in ancient cities in Central Syria and North Africa were built and used from the third centuries, and abandoned during Mohammedan rule and conquest during the seventh. These churches were heavily influenced by domestic buildings not only in design, but decoration as well. Churches during and after the reign of Constantine were of a different model, the basilica type. The basilica, a large roofed hall, which served as a courtroom or a simple meeting place, was believed to be the most adaptable to Chrisitan worship; they were large enough to support the ever-increasing Christian population.
Bibliography:
Cutts, Edward L. History of Early Christian Art. New York: E. & J.B. and Co., 1893;
Encyclopedia of Early Christianity. 2nd ed. 1997.
Author of Commentary: Ebony Pollard
Source: Lowrie, Walter Monuments of the Early Church
(New York:Macmillan Company, 1901)
Reference: p. 140 figure 45
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