Emily Grise

Image 4b

1. This is an orthodox baptistry in Ravenna, Italy in 400-450 C.E. The one shown in this image
specifically was built by religious officials in Rome, but similar ones were built elsewhere.
(slideshow)

2. One important element shown within the image is the use of an octagonal shape for the
baptistry. This was found is Roman villas, bathhouses, and tombs, but the number also has a
connection to Christianity. Deliyannis’ Ravenna in late antiquity says, “8 [is] symbolic of baptism,
because it corresponds to the Resurrection of Christ that happened on the eighth day.” Another
visual element is the Bible verses inscripted on the walls. Each of these has a connection to the
practice of baptism, perhaps serving as reminders or encouragements during the practice.
(Deliyannis 2010)

3. The positioning of the building was significant to the ritual it hosted. When entering for baptism,
participants would come from either the North or West doors, then faced West to reject the
devil and East to confirm allegiance to Christ. (Deliyannis 2010) The ceremony had to be taken
into account when deciding where doors were to be positioned.