1. History of Architecture - I
Kurdistan Region-Iraq
Tishk International University
Faculty of Engineering
Architecture Engineering Department
History of Architecture - I 8
Early Christian Architecture
(350 – 1400 A.C.)
By:
Nizar Najim
Assistant Lecturer

2. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.1. Influences:
Geographical:
The city of Nazareth is the birthplace of Christ in Bethlehem
The Position of Rome as the center of a world-wide empire was an important factor
Christianity to become universal, had to grow-up at the capital, however eastern its birthplace
Geological:
The quarry of the ruins of roman buildings influenced the architectural treatment of the style, both in regard to construction and decoration
Columns and other architectural features and marbles from the older buildings were worked into the design of new Basilican churches of the Christians
Climate:
Different climate between central Europe and the Mediterranean sea (Hot weather – Small Openings)
Religion:
The rise of Christianity inspired the construction of Churches.
In 313 A.D., Constantine has issued his celebrated decree from Milan,
In 323 A.D., Christianity became the established religion of the Roman empire.

3. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.1. Influences:
Social & Political:
In 324 A.D., Constantine moved the capital from Roma to Byzantium.
In 364 A.D., the division of the Roman empire took place. Conflicts between east & west.
Italy passed through several wars.
In 476 A. D., the empire was reunited, Constantinople was the capital.
Many kings then took over ruling the empire in Italy and north Africa.
In 800 A.D., The power of the Pope has increased in Rome, and it has been named the holy empire of Rome until 1806 A.D.

4. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.2. Features and Characters:
Plans:
Early Christians have used the same style of Roman Basilicas in planning their churches
Big halls, Baths, Houses, and temples as worshiping places.
The emergence of Bell Towers.
The emergence of Baptism.
Openings:
Semicircular arches used over doors and windows’ openings
Small Openings
Clerestory windows used in walls over the Nave roof.

5. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.2. Features and Characters:
Roofs:
Wooden roofs have covered the Naves
Aisle were domed usually.
Apse were covered with half domes
Walls:
Built according to Roman methods, using concrete covered with brick, stone, or plaster
Mosaic decoration used inside
Less interest paid to building exteriors
Columns:
Inspired by old Roman buildings
Early Christians have used Roman building materials, construction methods, and ornaments

6. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.2. Features and Characters:
Ornament and decorations:
Consist of an assortments of antient Roman rough patterns.
Craftsmen techniques were in bad level, relieve was rough and less depth.
Mosaic have been used in Apses, Triumphal Arches, over Naves, and sometimes in columns and arches.
Painting on walls were treated with strong colors, in a simple rough design.
Flooring was with marble panels taken from old Roman buildings.
Paintings and symbols were religious.

7. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.3. Functional Patterns in Early Christian Architecture:
Basilica Churches:
Represents a middle between pagan buildings and Romanesque buildings.
Constructed with columns of different orders and sizes.
The earlier Basilica churches had their columns closely spaced, and were crowned with the entablature which supported the main wall, on which rested on wooden roof.
As the arch came more into general use, these columns were spaced further apart, being connected by semicircular arches.

8. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.3. Functional Patterns in Early Christian Architecture:
Basilica Churches:
Planning components:
Atrium: a large open air or skylight covered space surrounded by arcades.
Narthex: an architectural element consisting of the entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave
Nave: the central aisle of a basilica church, or the main body of the church between its western wall and its chancel.
Aisles: a space for walking with rows of seats on both sides or one side and a wall
Bema: or “Transept” converts the plan into a Latin cross, of which the Nave was the long arm
Choir: an area provides seating for the church choir between the Nave and the Sanctuary, enclosed by a low screen walls
Presbytery: or “Chancel” is the space around the Altar, including the Choir and the Sanctuary
Apse: or “Sanctuary” is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome

9. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.3. Functional Patterns in Early Christian Architecture:
Basilica Churches:
Planning components were:

10. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.3. Functional Patterns in Early Christian Architecture:
Basilica Churches:
Examples:
S. Clement, Rome 1084 A.D.
S. Peter, Rome 330 A.D.
S. Paolo Fuori Le Mura, Rome 380 A.D.
S. Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna A.D.

11. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.3. Functional Patterns in Early Christian Architecture:
Circular or Central Churches:
Baptisteries: They were originally used only for the sacrament of the baptism (baptizing rituals). The form was derived from the Roman circular temples and tombs. There was generally one Baptistery in each city.
The Baptistery of Constantine, Rome
S. Stefano Rotondo, Rome 470 A.D.
The Baptistery, Ravenna

12. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.3. Functional Patterns in Early Christian Architecture:
Circular or Central Churches:
Tombs:
S. Constanza, Rome 330 A.D.
Tomb of Galla Placidia, Ravenna 420 A.D.
Tomb of Theodoric, Ravenna 530 A.D.

13. History of Architecture - I 8. Early Christian Architecture
8.6. References:
1. Ching, Francis D.K., “A Global History of Architectural”, Second Edition, John Wiley& Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2011
2. Fletcher, Banister, “A History of Architectural on the Comparative Method”, Fifth Edition, Pradbury, Agnew & Co. Limited Printers, London, 2011
3. KOSTOF SPIRO, “A History of Architecture: Settings and Rituals”, Oxford University Press, USA, 1995
4. Mansbridge, John, “Graphic History of Architecture”,
Hennessey & Ingalls, 1999