1. Early Middle Ages Map

2. David & Solomon’s Israel

3. Early Christian and Eastern Religions
Five major faiths developed in the Middle East during and after the collapse of the Roman Empire :
Judaism
Islam
Christianity
Mithraism
Gnosticism

4. Early Christian and Eastern Religions
These faiths all shared several things in common:
Claimed Exclusive Path to Paradise (heaven)
Claimed they were the Only True Faith
Placed Emphasis on Prophecy and Spiritually Revealed Truth
Offered hope of salvation to those who believed their truth
Honored a chief Prophet or Messiah
Believed that there was a struggle between good and evil for man’s soul
Practiced ritual purification or initiation with water
Believed that members should seek out new converts for their faith (except Judaism)

5. Early Christian and Eastern Religions
Only 3 of these 5 have survived although each one had periods of great success: Christianity, Islam and Judaism are the great survivors.
Mithraism almost became the official religion of the Roman Empire – only Constantine’s victory changed that
Gnosticism was a variant of Christianity that survived into the 1200s in France where it was eventually wiped out by Papal Christianity in a series of Crusades and the creation of the Inquisition.

6. Judaism
2000 BCE – Abraham is called from Ur in Mesopotamia to Canaan by Yahweh
1600 BCE – Hebrews leave Canaan for Egypt
1250 BCE – Moses and Hebrews leave Egypt (Exodus) and return to Canaan
1000 BCE – Israelites establish a monarchy under Saul – the 1st Hebrew King
1000 – 961 BCE – David is King
961 – 922 BCE – Solomon is King
922 BCE – Kingdom splits into 2 – Israel and Judah
722 BCE – Israel falls to the Assyrians
600 BCE – Hebrew Torah and other Holy writings are compiled into their final form
587 BCE – Judah falls to Chaldaeans under Nebuchadnezzar II and the Hebrews are enslaved and taken to Babylon (Babylonian Captivity)

7. Judaism/Christianity
539 BCE – Persians conquer Chaldaeans and return Hebrews to homeland
4 BCE – Birth of Jesus Christ
26-29 CE – Public career of Jesus Christ
29 CE – Crucifixion of Christ under Pontius Pilate
34 CE – Stephen is the first Christian martyr – stoned to death
200 CE – Rome becomes the center of the Christian faith

8. Christianity 307 – 337 CE – Reign of Constantine the Great
313 CE – Edict of Milan is issued by Constantine legalizing Christianity
325 CE – Council of Nicea establishes Nicene Creed and Orthodox Christianity – all other forms of Christianity are made heresies.
376 CE – Western Roman Empire is invaded by the Huns under Attila
395 CE – The Edict of Theodosius is issued making Christianity the only legal religion in the Roman Empire - Roman Empire splits into east and west at Theodosius’ death
395 CE – The beginning of the reliquary trade

9. Similarities with old faiths
Osiris (Egypt)– died and resurrected, born December 25
Adonis (Phoenician/Greek) – born in Bethlehem, died and resurrected, forgave sins
Tammuz (Sumerian) – died, spent 3 days in hell, and resurrected. Inanna (Ishtar), his wife, went to his tomb to discover it empty, virgin birth
Hercules (Greek/Roman) – born of Zeus and human virgin, called “Prince of Peace”
Mithras (Persian) – born December 25, virgin birth and Sun god was his father, died and rose 3 days later, crucified on a tree, birth witnessed by shepherds and Magi who brought him gifts, performed many miracles (gave sight, made walk, etc), had a last supper with 12 disciples with bread and wine, sins forgiven
Baal (Canaan) – storm god who dies and resurrects with help from his wife
Marduk (Assyrian); Attis (Persian); Dionysius (Greek); Melquart (Babylonian); and Eshmun (Philistine) – all were gods who died and resurrected 3 days later

10. Judaica Menorahs & Ark of the Covenant 3rd century CE Rome, Italy
Painting
Found inside a Jewish catacomb
Shows key Hebrew religious symbols – yet very similar to other types of art also being commissioned in Rome

11. Synagogue Interior - Wall paintings of Old Testament scenes Ca
Dura Europos, Syria
Painting - tempera on plaster
Similar in style to Roman work
Judaic Art
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

12. Synagogue Interior - Wall paintings of Old Testament scenes
Ark of the Covenant in the Temple of Dagon
Synagogue Interior - Wall paintings of Old Testament scenes
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

13. Judaica The Consecration of the Tabernacle 245-256 CE
Dura-Europos, Syria
Painting
Early Jewish art usually focused on the Temple and its functions

14. Judaica Isaiah Scroll (Dead Sea Scrolls) 1st century BCE
Qumran, Israel
Illuminated Manuscript
This early version of the Book of Isaiah is exactly the same as modern ones

15. Early Middle Ages - Eastern Religious Art
Mithras Slaying the Sacred Bull
150 – 200
Rome, Italy
Relief Sculpture
The Mithraic cult focused on the sun, good vs. evil and Mithras – a god who was killed and rose again 3 days later and was born on December 25

16. Early Christian Art Characteristics
Decay in style
Religious themes are the focus
Substance over style
Basilica main form of church building
The subject matter and story are what’s important not the artist or skill

17. Baptistery from Christian Community House Ca. 240-258
Dura Europos, Syria
Architecture/Painting
Baptism was done in homes before churches developed
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

18. Early Christian Art Interior of Old St. Peter’s C. 324 – 400 CE
Rome, Italy
Architectural Plan
This drawing was done by Jacopo Grimaldi in 1619
Shows typical Christian basilica style church plan

19. Old Saint Peter’s Basilica (plan) Rome, Italy
1. Nave
2. Aisles
3. Apse
4. Transept
5. Narthex (Porch)
6. Atrium
Old Saint Peter’s Basilica (plan)
Rome, Italy
Architectural Plan
Parts of basilica
FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

20. Early Christian Art Interior of Santa Maria Maggiore 430 – 440 CE
Rome, Italy
Architecture
The first church built dedicated to Mary
Most of the interior is in its original state including the art work
Upon entering the eye is immediately drawn to the altar

21. Santa Sabina Ca. 422-432 Rome, Italy Architecture
Typical early Christian basilica style with plain interior and plain exterior
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

22. Santa Sabina – Interior
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.
Santa Sabina – Interior
Interiors still received more detail than exteriors, continuing Roman tradition – though certainly not as much as the Romans did

23. Santa Costanza ca. 337-351 Rome, Italy Architecture
Originally a tomb for the saint, it eventually became a church
The round church developed from the Roman mausoleum
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

24. Early Christian Art Santa Costanza 350 CE Rome, Italy Architecture
Although most churches were based on the basilica plan, some were built on circular plans similar to the tombs of the emperors, especially if it contained the relics of an important saint
Here the Emperor Constantine’s sister (Santa Costanza) was placed
The circular plan would see wider use as baptisteries

25. Santa Costanza Architectural Plan Longitudinal Section Plan
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.
Santa Costanza
Architectural Plan
Plan

26. Santa Costanza vault mosaic ca. 337-351 Rome, Italy
Different Bible and pagan stories mixed
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

27. Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

28. Christ as Sol Invictus from the Mausoleum of the Julii
Late 3rd century
Rome, Italy
Mosaic
Christ drives Apollo’s chariot of the sun
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

29. Early Christian Art Jesus the Good Shepherd 3rd century CE Rome, Italy
Sculpture
Large scale sculptures are rare in early Christian art
Shows Christ beardless and in Roman garb

30. Early Christian Art Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus 359 CE Rome, Italy
Sculpture/Relief
Early Christian sculpture focused on Biblical themes as well
Note the doll like bodies with large heads
Note beardless Christ again, in Greek philosopher pose and garb

31. Christ Entering Jerusalem
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.
Christ Entering Jerusalem

32. Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.
Christ Enthroned

33. Christ Enthroned ca. 350-375 Rome, Italy
Sculpture approximately 2 ft. 4 1/2 in. high
Jesus sits on an imperial throne in togata
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

34. Catacomb showing loculi (spots for tombs)
3rd-4th centuries CE
Rome, Italy
Architecture
Catacombs were also used as early meeting places for Christians before it became legal
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

35. Early Christian Art Catacomb of Santissimi Pietro e Marcellino Ceiling
4th century CE
Rome, Italy
Painting/Architecture
All the earliest Christian art can be found in underground catacombs like this one
Catacombs were burial places underneath the city – usually on the outskirts

36. Good Shepherd from the Catacomb of Pietro and Marcellino
early 4th century
Rome, Italy
Painting - fresco
Note beardless and in Roman clothing, similar in pose to Apollo again
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

37. Orant figure (Praying woman)
3th century
Rome, Italy
Painting - fresco
The early Church had female leaders as well
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

38. Early Christian Art Mausoleum of Galla Placida 425 – 450 CE
Ravenna, Italy
Archtecture
Named after the Emperor Honorius’ sister who was believed to be buried here
Form of building is a Greek cross – even lengths on all arms

39. Early Christian Art Interior of Mausoleum of Galla Placida
425 – 450 CE
Ravenna, Italy
Mosaic
Interior is full of barrel vaulting
Walls are covered in bright mosaics
Most tell of St Lawrence’s life – leads many to believe that this was a chapel dedicated to him

40. Early Christian Art

41. Early Christian Art Good Shepherd 425-450 Ravenna, Italy Mosaic
Located in the tomb of Galla Placida this mosaic shows us a beardless Christ acting as a shepherd tending his flock (allegory)
Halo is used to show importance not for holiness (that came later)

42. Saint Apollinare Nuovo 504 Ravenna, Italy
Architecture
Bell tower added to call faithful to service
Still extremely plain exteriors although interiors have grown more extravagant
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

43. Saint Apollinare Nuovo – Interior 504 Ravenna, Italy
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.
Saint Apollinare Nuovo – Interior
504
Ravenna, Italy
Architecture
All original interior no additions, only restorations over the years

44. The Three Wise Men (The Magi) 504 Ravenna, Italy
Mosaic
Mosaics became a crucial church decoration
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

45. Basilica Plan Interior Space
 This is a typical basilica /cathedral floor plan. Keep in mind that each structure is different and may depart from this basic plan in some ways however, the key elements (labeled below) are pretty much common to most all structures.
The APSE is typically the rounded end of the nave, but can also be any rounded appendage springing off the sides of a floor plan. Sometimes, apses take the form of mini-altars to various saints.
The NAVE is the long, central aisle that goes down the middle of the structure.
The AISLES border each side of the nave, and are usually separated from the nave by a colonnade.
The TRANSEPT cuts across between the apse and the nave. (The transept gives the floor plan the shape of the cross.)
The CHOIR is the area where the nave and the transept intersect, where (you guessed it) the choir usually sits.
The NARTHEX (not labeled) is the entrance area on the opposite side of the front apse it's sometimes shaped like the transept, although not as large.

46. Basilica Plan

47. Vienna Genesis Early 6th century Syria
Illuminated Manuscript - tempera, gold, silver on purple vellum 12 1/4 x 9 1/4 in.
Best example of early Illuminated Manuscript
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

48. Vienna Genesis Genesis chapter 32
Slide concept by Anthony D'Ascoli FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.
Genesis chapter 32
Jacob travels to meet Esau Jacob travels over the Jabbok brook Jacob wrestles with the Angel Jacob blessed by the Angel Jacob’s 11 sons
Vienna Genesis

49. The end – next … Byzantine