Recording-2025-02-26T18:54:47.798Z

Naming Conventions in Christianity

• Christian churches often named based on function or location.

• Monastery: Church for monastic communities (monks/nuns) focused on a God-centered life.

• Martyrium: Martyr's church built on sites associated with saints' deaths.

• Diocese: District for Christian communities led by a bishop.

• Cathedral: The bishop’s church, where he preaches.

Dedications

• Many churches dedicated to specific holy figures or concepts.

• Frequent dedications to Jesus and Mary (e.g., Notre Dame means "Our Lady" in French).

• Examples of churches:

  • Cathedral of Notre Dame (Paris, Chartres)

  • Monastery of Saint Catherine (Sinai)

  • Unique names like "Saint Mary's Church in the hollow of the white Hazel."

Architectural Influences

• Distinct church functions influenced their architecture.

• Churches needed spaces for baptisms, altars, unlike pagan temples.

• Influences mainly drawn from secular Roman buildings rather than pagan temples.

Types of Architectural Plans

• Two main types of plans: longitudinal/basilican and central.

• Basilican Plan: Example from Basilica Ulpia, capable of holding large congregations, without pagan religious influence.

• Churches typically entered through an atrium.

• Narthex: Vestibule that leads into the main nave.

• May have a transept in front of the apse.

Longitudinal Plan Example: Old Saint Peter's Basilica

• One of the first major Christian structures in Rome ordered by Constantine.

• Built over Saint Peter's believed martyrdom site.

• Designed to accommodate 14,000 worshipers.

• Functionality included side aisles for movement without disrupting worship.

Elevation and Features

• Elevation: Basic three-part structure with arcade, wall, clerestory. Orthogonal arrangements became more ornate over time.

• Churches like Santa Sabina showcase features like higher nave with clerestories.

• Architecture facilitated transition from earthly to heavenly experience through design.

Central Plan Churches

• Inspired by tombs/mausoleums; suitable for martyrs' churches and baptismal locations.

• Santa Costanza example: originally a mausoleum, features colorful interiors contrasting with plain exteriors.

• Mosaics often represented dual meanings, bridging pagan and Christian symbolism.

Symbolism in Artwork and Architecture

• Peacock motifs symbolize resurrection and Christian imagery, often derived from pagan meanings.

• Sarcophagi carved with biblical scenes; example of Junius Bassus's sarcophagus illustrating Jesus as the cosmocrator.

• Central figures juxtaposed biblical narratives to establish prevailing theological themes.

Galla Placidia and Unique Structures

• The mausoleum previously called an oratory, looks simple outside but ornate within, exemplifies the contrast in design.

• Saint Lawrence depicted in mosaics symbolizing martyrdom through associated props (e.g. griddle).

Byzantine Art

• Transitioning artistic styles seen in church mosaics, examples include the Church of Saint George with figures showcasing a blend of classical and emerging Byzantine styles.

• Rigid iconography and geometric patterns indicative of evolving Byzantine art and architecture.