Angie Bonk: Early Christian

The Early Christian period was from 330-800 CE. This religion began with the death of Christ. The Christianity posed a threat to the Roman Empire. Many adherents to the Christian faith were of lower class. The emperor, Constantine recognized Christianity as a religion in 313 CE. He legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan. It became an official religion of with all rights and privileges of other state religions. Constantine believed he saw a vision of a cross as a sign from God to legalize Christianity and also believed it would help him win the battle of Milvian Bridge. Early Christians met in homes or existing buildings. They ended up needing a space of just worship. Current Roman temples were not structured to accommodate Christian group worship. Old St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome was built in 330 CE. It was filled with masonry walls clerestory windows, wooden roofs, and wood truss ceilings. The interiors were filled with frescos of biblical accounts from the Old and New Testament. In Italy and Spain, the Sant' Apollinare in Classe was built between 535-538 CE. It had 24 columns of Greek marble, Mullion windows with three openings, a triumphal arch, and a semi vaulted apse covered with mosaics. Furniture during this time was very elaborate and richly decorated with carving and jewels. The style of the furniture follows the Roman style for furniture.

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