Jewish & Early Christian Art (late imperial Rome)

What does narrative art refer to in Christian art?

Narrative art refers to the depiction of biblical stories.

What does iconic art represent in Christian art?

Iconic art refers to the meaning or symbolism representing theological aspects and religious tradition.

Who is considered the first bishop of Rome in early Christian tradition?

Peter is recognized as the first bishop of Rome.

What do the Greek letters alpha and omega signify in Christian iconography?

They represent the beginning and end of time.

What is the significance of a halo in Christian art?

The halo, often worn by depictions of Christ, symbolizes divinity and was associated with Roman emperors.

What are the Abrahamic religions?

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the Abrahamic religions.

What is the common belief of monotheism among Abrahamic religions?

They believe in the worship of one god.

What is the Jewish perspective on Christ?

Jews reject Christ as the messiah and are still awaiting their messiah.

How do Christians view Jesus of Nazareth?

Christians accept Jesus of Nazareth as their messiah.

Who do Muslims acknowledge as their prophet?

Muslims acknowledge Muhammad as their divine prophet.

What significant event does the Torah recount regarding the Jewish people?

The Torah recounts Moses leading the enslaved Jewish people out of Egypt to the promised land of Canaan.

What is the significance of the ten commandments in Judaism?

The ten commandments are Jewish laws bestowed by God to Moses.

Who built the first temple in Jerusalem?

King Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem.

What was housed in the innermost chamber of Solomon's temple?

The Ark of the Covenant was housed in the innermost chamber.

What occurred in 586 BCE relevant to the temple?

The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the temple.

What is a synagogue?

A synagogue is a place for reading the Torah and communal gatherings.

What architectural inspiration did synagogues draw from?

Many synagogues draw inspiration from Roman basilicas.

What is the Eucharist in Christian worship?

The Eucharist is the ritual consumption of bread and wine symbolizing the Body and Blood of Christ.

What role did Emperor Constantine play in Christianity?

Constantine legalized Christianity and recognized it as the official religion.

What was the Edict of Milan?

The Edict of Milan authorized religious freedom for all groups in the Roman Empire.

What does the term 'tetrarchy' refer to?

Governance through four joint rulers.

Who was Diocletian and what was his contribution?

Diocletian was a Roman emperor who established the Tetrarchy after 50 years of anarchy.

What is porphyry in historical context?

Porphyry is a purple stone from Egypt reserved for imperial use.

What are the characteristics of portraiture during the Late Imperial period?

Artwork shifted to harsh geometric abstractions focusing on power rather than individualism.

What does a diptych refer to in art?

A painting or altar piece that may be closed like a book.

What is significant about the Arch of Constantine?

It is the first arch celebrating victory against a Roman rival instead of a foreign power.

What is the function of high-relief sculpture?

High-relief sculptures project from the background and represent three-dimensional naturalism.

What is a roundel in art?

Scenes set in round frames.

What is an orant figure?

An orant figure depicts a person in a praying posture.

What architectural element did Constantine use for the first Christian churches?

Constantine used the Roman basilica as the model for first Christian churches.

What does ‘spolia’ refer to in architecture?

Repurposed stones taken from an old structure.

What does ‘ambulatory’ mean?

An ambulatory is a place for walking.

What is a sarcophagus?

A stone coffin that may be adorned with carvings or inscriptions.

What is the Holy of Holies?

The innermost chamber of the temple in Jerusalem that housed the Ark of the Covenant.

What elements were included in the Temple liturgy?

Key elements included animal sacrifices, incense offerings, and prayers conducted by priests.

What was the basis of Early Christian worship?

Early Christian worship was based on Jewish practices and included readings, prayers, and the Eucharist.

What is an ambo?

An ambo is a raised platform for delivering scripture readings and sermons.

Where is the altar located in Early Christian basilicas?

Typically located in the apse at the eastern end of the church.

What is the difference between longitudinal and centrally-planned structures?

Longitudinal buildings are arranged along a length, while centrally-planned structures are designed around a central point.

Who were the four evangelists in the New Testament?

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

What are the three main books used by Abrahamic religions?

Judaism: Hebrew Bible, Christianity: Christian Bible, Islam: Quran.

When was Christianity officially recognized as a religion in the Roman Empire?

Christianity was officially recognized in 380 CE under Theodosius.

What is significant about the Arch of Titus?

The Arch of Titus represents the sacking of Jerusalem.

What artistic style did Christian art emphasize?

Christian art emphasized clarity and symbolically represented beliefs.

What does the term ‘cathedral’ mean in a church context?

A cathedral is the principal church of a diocese, symbolizing the bishop's authority.

What were the primary communal activities conducted in synagogues?

Reading the Torah and communal gatherings.

When did Jesus's life and teachings begin to be recorded?

Jesus's life and teachings were recorded between 70-100 CE.

What does the term ‘apocalypse’ refer to in the New Testament?

A series of visions and prophecies concerning the eventual triumph of God at the end of the world.

Define 'alpha' and 'omega' in the Christian context.

Greek letters representing the beginning and end of time, symbolizing Christ.