The document discusses the origins and early development of Christianity and Christian art in the Roman Empire. It describes how Christianity began as an underground movement as Romans persecuted Christians. As the religion grew, early Christian art borrowed symbols from Roman art but had a simpler, more symbolic style focused on religious meaning over realism. The religion gained acceptance after Emperor Constantine converted and legalized Christianity in 313 CE, shifting the empire from pagan polytheism to monotheism and establishing Christianity as the dominant faith.

2. Where do we begin our story? The Roman Empire

3. The Basic Tenants of Christianity: • Jesus was born among the Jews • In the Jewish faith: God had communicated with them for centuries through His prophets and the Old Testament and had given them Commandments by which to live and to please Him • Jesus said to love God and Human beings was more important than those laws • The writings of Jesus’ followers make up the New Testament

5. The Roman Empire I don’t trust these Christians, they’re cutting in on my power!

7. In the centuries following Christ’s death, Rome becomes the center of Christian underground activity, and many Christians are blamed and persecuted for the growing troubles of the empire

8. Christianity is outlawed and many Christians seek refuge in underground sanctuaries that were built to bury their dead, called the Catacombs (c. 300 CE)

10. Underground Fresco in Goreme, Turkey Cappadocia

11. The Good Shepherd, Ceiling Fresco, 4 th century, Catacombs, Rome Circles depict story of Jonah Circle : Symbolizes the Dome of Heaven Do you see the cross formed by intersecting circles?

15. Pastoral god Aristaeus ...becomes.... the Good Shepherd

17. • Art tends to use blues and browns, is compartmentalized and generally not very good (compared to Roman Art)

18. And then... there is a shift in Faith in the Roman Empire!! • Roman Faith (Polytheism) shifts to Monotheism as Paganism slowly gives way to Christianity as the favoured religion and faith in the Roman Empire Polytheism: Belief in multiple Gods (ex. Mars-God of War, Jupiter (aka Zeus)-king of Gods, Juno-Goddess of Wisdom) Monotheism : Belief in only One God How did that happen?