Vocabulary

ambulatory
apse
catacomb
codex
mausoleum
narthex
nave
parchment
transept
vellum

Practice Essay Questions

Discuss the style of the images at Dura Europos and explain why they are so important in the context of Jewish and Early Christian art.

What did the Early Christian father's say about the use of images?  How and when did their stance on this subject change.  Cite at least three specific relevant passages in your response.

What was the importance of the catacombs for the Early Christians?

What is the primary distinction between Early Christian and Late Roman works of art?

Describe the Old Testament story of Jonah. What did the story of Jonah symbolize for Early Christians?  Provide examples of where this image appears in Early Christian art.

How was Christ depicted prior to Constantine?  What attributes did acquire after Christianity became the official state religion? Where were these attributes taken from and what was their purpose?

Why were large statues of Christ extremely rare in Early Christian art?

How did Early Christian builders modify the plan of the Roman pagan basilica in order to convert it to Christian use?

In what ways, other than subject matter, can Early Christian mosaics be distinguished from earlier Roman examples?

Compare and contrast the architectural plans of Old St. Peter's, Santa Costanza, the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.