Early Christian Architecture

Question 1

What was held in the Nave?

Answer 1

held hundreds of tombs of those fortunate enough to be buried close to the saint

Question 2

Who built Old St. Peter’s Basilica and where is it located?

Answer 2

• Rome, Italy
• built by Constantine
• Built on slope of Vatican Hill over martyrium that marked burial site of St. Peter – was handed “keys to heaven” by Christ

Question 3

Old St. Peter’s Basilica

Answer 3

• Essentially a covered cemetery at the shrine of great martyr
• 5 aisled structure was pervaded by same functional clarity as Lantern basilica
• Triple entrance gate opened to large atrium for overflow crowds waiting and for catechumens during restricted portions of memorial services
• Far side of atrium formed a cross axial porch, NARTHEX, with 5 portals opening into the building
• In immense transept, pilgrims gather to venerate great apostle (relics lay beneath a canopy set on twisted bronze columns)
• Lighting was dramatic; dark aisles without side windows, nave clerestory every other bay, sweep of sixteen double windows to light the transept, where all attention was directed
• The axial, cross axial, and terminal forms was complemented by mastery of dramatic lighting

Question 4

What is a Catechumen?

Answer 4

• space that people who weren’t christians were allowed to be in without entering the church

Question 5

Where is St. Maria Maggiore and located?

Answer 5

• Rome, Italy

- Erected 432 by Pope Sixtus III

Question 6

What style is St. Maria Maggiore and what are its architectural features?

Answer 6

• Gaudy, intune to what Romans wanted
• Coffered ceiling, bell tower still remains
• Center of the building is Baroque, left and Right is Renaissance
• Was a revival of classicistic style

Question 7

Who built Santo Stefano Rotondo and where is it located?

Answer 7

• Rome, Italy

- Built as a martyrdom between 468 and 483

Question 8

Santo Stefano Rotondo

Answer 8

• centrally planned church
• Comprised three shells of structure: tall central nave,
  Ambulatory, Four high chapels opening through regularly spaced columnar screens at outer wall
• New in E.C. architecture
• plain exterior & interior: somber and dark
  -simple basilica: uniformed and dignified structure