Christianity

Torah

Jewish holy scripture beginning with the creation and death of Moses

Five books: genesis, exodus, Leviticus numbers, deuteronomy

Shrine

Sacred or holy place dedicated to a specific saint, deity, etc

Menorah

Sacred candelabrum with seven branches: represents creation of the world, divine light, and wisdom

Domus ecclesiae

“House of the Church” Roman home transformed into church

Catacomb

Underground grave site

Niches (loculi)

shelf space designed to hold a body in a catacomb

Arcosolium

Semicircular recess used as a tomb

Sarcophagus

Stone coffin

Cubicula

Separate “rooms” for burial (for more elite people/ distinct from loculi)

Refrigerium

Funerary meal

Lunettes

Semicircular architectural space filled with painting, mosaic, relief, window

Orant pose

Both hands raised in a Christian praying pose

Prefiguration

Artistic symbols/styles that hint at future movements (Jonah & whale → Jesus revival)

Typology

Classifying building styles, physical traits, or forest types