Early Christian Architecture and Historical Influences Quizlet

Where did Christianity originate?

Judaea

Who primarily brought Christianity to Rome?

St. Peter and St. Paul

What influenced early Christian architecture?

Roman architecture

Where did Constantine transfer the capital of the Empire?

Byzantium

What was Christianity originally the religion of?

Lower classes

What inspired the construction of churches?

Religious worship

What were ruins of Roman buildings commonly used as?

Quarries

What did hot climates generally require in architecture?

Small windows

What did Christianity become recognized despite?

Persecutions

Judaea was a province of which empire?

Roman Empire

What largely contributed to the spread of Christianity?

Missionaries

What did Constantine's actions strengthen?

Christianity

What does geographical influence refer to?

Birthplace and spread of Christianity

What does geological influence primarily refer to?

Stone reuse from Roman ruins

What did climatic influence affect?

Windows

Under which rule did early Christian architecture emerge?

Roman rule

Christianity became the recognized universal religion of which empire?

Rome

Early Christian architecture borrowed most from what?

Roman civic buildings

What did religious influences primarily encourage?

Churches

What did Christianity transform?

Religious architecture

What was the prototype of the Early Christian church?

Basilica

The Roman basilica was originally part of a?

Forum

Early Christian basilicas were often built over?

Saints' burial sites

What were church walls commonly made of?

Rubble or concrete faced with plaster

What was emphasized in early Christian architecture?

Internal worship

Clerestory windows admit light into which part of the church?

Nave

What were openings commonly spanned by?

Semi-circular arches

What type of roofs were commonly used in churches?

Stone vaults

What type of columns were commonly reused in churches?

Reused from Roman buildings

What did long rows of columns create?

Grandeur

What enriched the interiors of early Christian churches?

Colorful mosaics

What were mosaics used mainly for?

Decoration

What was the focus of early Christian churches?

Worship

Where are clerestories located?

On high walls

What characterized basilica interiors?

Long perspectives

What are reused architectural components known as?

Spolia

What was the architectural emphasis in early Christian architecture?

Internal

What was early Christian ornamentation primarily based on?

Mosaic-based

What is the open forecourt surrounded by arcades called?

Atrium

What is the porch used by penitents called?

Narthex

What is the main worship space in a church?

Nave

What are the side passages beside the nave called?

Aisles

What is the low screen wall around the choir called?

Cancelli

What is another term for Cancelli?

Chancel

Where is the Gospel read in a church?

Ambo

Where is the homily delivered?

Ambo

What are the side projections of a church called?

Transepts

What is the raised platform on the altar called?

Bema

What is the place where Mass is celebrated?

Altar

What is the canopy over the altar called?

Baldachino

What is the circular termination of a church?

Apse

What structure is located before the apse?

Arch of Triumph

Where are the worshippers seated in a church?

Nave

What encloses the choir in a church?

Chancel

What is the function of the narthex?

Porch

Where is the altar usually located?

Near the Apse

What flanks the nave?

Aisles

What does the bema support?

Altar

What supports the baldachino?

Columns

What does the arch of triumph mark the transition to?

Apse

Which part is nearest the entrance of the church?

Narthex

What space precedes the narthex?

Atrium

Which element is associated with preaching?

Ambo

Which part forms the arms of a cruciform plan?

Transepts

Where is the sanctuary located?

Toward the Apse

Who primarily uses the nave?

Worshippers

Which part of a church is circular?

Apse

What does the altar canopy symbolize?

Protection and emphasis

What were baptisteries used for?

Baptism

What were baptisteries usually?

Separate buildings

When did baptism commonly occur?

All of the above (Easter, Pentecost, Epiphany)

Who built the Baptistery of Constantine?

Constantine

What was the font originally?

Roman bath

Where is the Neonian Baptistery located?

Ravenna

What is the Neonian Baptistery famous for?

Mosaics

What did Christian opposition to cremation lead to?

Monumental tombs

Where is the Tomb of Galla Placidia located?

Ravenna

Who was Galla Placidia the daughter of?

Theodosius I

What is the tomb famous for?

Mosaics

Who was Santa Costanza erected for?

Constantia

What are catacombs?

Underground burial chambers

What does the word catacomb mean?

At the hollows

What is the largest catacomb in Rome?

Callixtus

What is the best-preserved catacomb?

Priscilla

Who is known as the "Queen of the Catacombs"?

Domitilla

Who began the construction of Old St. Peter's Basilica?

Constantine

What was Old St. Peter's Basilica built over?

Circus of Nero

Where is the Church of the Nativity located?

Bethlehem

What does the Church of the Nativity mark?

Birthplace of Jesus

What does the Church of the Holy Sepulcher stand over?

Golgotha and Calvary

Who built St. Apollinaire Nuovo?

Theodoric the Great

What is St. Apollinaire Nuovo renowned for?

Figurative mosaics

Who built St. Apollinaire in Classe?

Archbishop Ursicinus

What is Santa Sabina known as?

One of the best Early Christian churches in Rome

What is Santo Stefano Rotondo known as?

The oldest centrally planned church in Rome

Who was Santo Paolo Fuori le Mura built over?

St. Paul

Who was St. Lorenzo Fuori le Mura built over?

St. Lawrence

What is Torcello Cathedral famous for?

Best mosaics in Northern Italy