Key Ideas:

• Note: The style of early Christian works is described as late Roman or of late antiquity. Early Christianity is not the style of the works itself- just subject matter.

• No known artworks before 3rd century

• Christianity starts as an underground religion, as the pagan religion of the Romans was still the majority.

• Earliest works can be found in catacombs or on sarcophagi

• Architecture: mostly basilican or centrally planned buildings

• Founded by Jesus Christ in the early 1st century

• Early leaders/popes were martyred such as St. Peter

• Early Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire but given restitution of property in 313 with the Edict of Milan.

• Constantine is the single most advocator for the Christian faith, often favoring them in political positions and patronizing religious buildings. He was officially converted on his death bed. 

• Christians bury their dead because it resembles the burial of Jesus Christ. Under Rome are hundreds of miles of catacombs where Christians, Jews, and pagans are buried (cheaper too).

• Christianity, Judaism, and Islam stem from the same branch

  • Christian (Bible): believe that Jesus was the son of God and will judge again

  • Jewish (Torah): believe that they are the chosen people and wait for the Messiah (anointed one)

  • Muslim (Quran): believe that Jesus was a prophet like Mohammad, not the son of God.