The early christian time period took place during 330-800 CE. Christianity began with the death of christ in ancient Judea, an eastern outpost of roman empire. Rome tolerated most religions, although christianity posed a threat to the emperor, resulting in the persecution of early christians in Rome. Many of these adherents to the christian faith were those of the lower class. In 313 CE the emperor of Constantine recognized christianity as a valid religion. Constantine legalized christianity through the edict of Milan, and declared it an official religion with all of the rights and privileges of other state religions. This resulted in christians being able to have houses of worship as well as being able to display holy artifacts.
Emperor Constantine eventually secured the support of the christian church due to a vision he had that contained a shield with a christian cross on it. Soon after, the need for new facilities became very necessary due to the rising number of believers. Although the roman temples were not structured to accommodate group worship or taking of the eucharist; a ceremony reserved for believers. This is she the Basilica came about. The basilica was a larger oblong hall/building with double colonnades as well as a semicircular apse. The basilica was the influence for all of the churches after this point.
The chief monument of christianity is the Old St. Peters Cathedral in Rome, which was built in 330 CE. Many believed it to be the tomb of St. Peter the apostle. This building had a very plain exterior, and a ver elaborate interior. It consisted of masonry walls, clerestory windows, wood roof, and wood truss ceilings. The interior was covered with frescoes of biblical accounts from the old and new testaments. The building was a total of 700 feet long, and had a basilica building style. Although the St. Vitale Chapel located in Rome is an example of a centralized building style.
The furniture during this era follows the Roman style. Although there are very few examples of early christian furniture that still exist today. The furniture is elaborate, and richly decorated with carving and jewels. The storage that was within the church structure was the most important furniture object of the time period.
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Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5AqQtlm4MY
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