Title: Early Chiristian Architecture

Part 1: General Influences

A. Geographical

 Christianity had its birth in Judaea, an eastern province of the Roman

Empire, spread and carried by missionaries to Rome as the center of
the world – Empire
 Early Christian architecture at Rome was influenced by, and was the
logical outcome of existing Roman architecture, modified in other
parts of the empire according to the type already recognized as
suitable for the geographical situation of those countries such as
Syria, Asia minor, North Africa and Egypt

B. Geological
 Geological influences may be said to have
acted indirectly on Early Christian
architecture for the ruins of Roman
buildings often provided the quarry
where materials were obtained. This
influenced the style, both as regards to
construction and decoration
 Columns and other architectural
features, as well as fine sculptures and
mosaics from older buildings were
incorporated into basilican churches of

C. Climate  Norththe new

Italy faith.
has the climate of the temperate
regions of Europe.
 Central Italy is genial and sunny.
 Southern Italy is almost tropical.
 This variety of climatic condition is sufficient to
account for diversity og architectural features
and treatment in the peninsula itself
 The climatic conditions in the Roman provinces like
Egypt, Syria, and North Africa where Christianity
was established were varied and naturally
modified the style in those countries where
fiercer sun and hotter climate necissitated small
windows and other eastern features.

 D. Religious
 In all human history there is no record so striking as that of the rise
of Christianity – a phenomenon so outstanding as the rapidity with
which it was diffused throughout the civilized world, and not only in
this period but also in all subsequent ages
 Christianity has inspired the building of some the greatest
architectural monuments.
 The purpose of the Christian church was to shelter worshippers who
met for prayer and praise to an unseen Deity, and during the unsettled
conditions at the beginning of Christianity, various places were
adapted for this worship. The mode of worship is the main
determinant in the form of the church.

Part 2: Discussion Points

A. Architectural Character
 Early Christian churches were modeled on Roman Basilicas, used old
columns by which various devices were brought to a uniform height.
 The early Christians as Roman craftsmen continued old Roman
traditions.
 Early Christian buildings hardly have the architectural value of a style
produced by the solution of constructive pronlems.
B. Building Materials and Construction System
 Plans used by Early Christian churches
  The early Christians followed the
basilican model for their new churches
 Walls were still constructed according to
Roman methods of using rubble or concrete,
faced with plaster, brick, or stone.
 Arcades, doors, and windows were either
spanned by a semicircular arch.