Early Middle Ages MapEarly Middle Ages Map

David & Solomon’s Israel David & Solomon’s Israel

Early Christian and Eastern Early Christian and Eastern Religions Religions

Five major faiths developed in the Middle Five major faiths developed in the Middle East during and after the collapse of the East during and after the collapse of the Roman Empire :Roman Empire :JudaismJudaismIslamIslamChristianityChristianityMithraismMithraismGnosticismGnosticism

Early Christian and Eastern Early Christian and Eastern Religions Religions

These faiths all shared several things in common:These faiths all shared several things in common:Claimed Exclusive Path to Paradise (heaven)Claimed Exclusive Path to Paradise (heaven)Claimed they were the Only True FaithClaimed they were the Only True FaithPlaced Emphasis on Prophecy and Spiritually Revealed Placed Emphasis on Prophecy and Spiritually Revealed TruthTruthOffered hope of salvation to those who believed their Offered hope of salvation to those who believed their truthtruthHonored a chief Prophet or MessiahHonored a chief Prophet or MessiahBelieved that there was a struggle between good and Believed that there was a struggle between good and evil for man’s soulevil for man’s soulPracticed ritual purification or initiation with waterPracticed ritual purification or initiation with waterBelieved that members should seek out new converts for Believed that members should seek out new converts for their faith (except Judaism)their faith (except Judaism)

Early Christian and Eastern Early Christian and Eastern ReligionsReligions

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

JudaismJudaism2000 BCE – Abraham is called from Ur in Mesopotamia to Canaan by 2000 BCE – Abraham is called from Ur in Mesopotamia to Canaan by YahwehYahweh1600 BCE – Hebrews leave Canaan for Egypt1600 BCE – Hebrews leave Canaan for Egypt1250 BCE – Moses and Hebrews leave Egypt (Exodus) and return to 1250 BCE – Moses and Hebrews leave Egypt (Exodus) and return to CanaanCanaan1000 BCE – Israelites establish a monarchy under Saul – the 11000 BCE – Israelites establish a monarchy under Saul – the 1stst Hebrew Hebrew KingKing1000 – 961 BCE – David is King1000 – 961 BCE – David is King961 – 922 BCE – Solomon is King961 – 922 BCE – Solomon is King922 BCE – Kingdom splits into 2 – Israel and Judah922 BCE – Kingdom splits into 2 – Israel and Judah722 BCE – Israel falls to the Assyrians722 BCE – Israel falls to the Assyrians600 BCE – Hebrew Torah and other Holy writings are compiled into their 600 BCE – Hebrew Torah and other Holy writings are compiled into their final formfinal form587 BCE – Judah falls to Chaldaeans under Nebuchadnezzar II and the 587 BCE – Judah falls to Chaldaeans under Nebuchadnezzar II and the Hebrews are enslaved and taken to Babylon (Babylonian Captivity)Hebrews are enslaved and taken to Babylon (Babylonian Captivity)

Judaism/ChristianityJudaism/Christianity

539 BCE – Persians conquer Chaldaeans and 539 BCE – Persians conquer Chaldaeans and return Hebrews to homelandreturn Hebrews to homeland4 BCE – Birth of Jesus Christ4 BCE – Birth of Jesus Christ26-29 CE – Public career of Jesus Christ26-29 CE – Public career of Jesus Christ29 CE – Crucifixion of Christ under Pontius 29 CE – Crucifixion of Christ under Pontius PilatePilate34 CE – Stephen is the first Christian martyr – 34 CE – Stephen is the first Christian martyr – stoned to deathstoned to death200 CE – Rome becomes the center of the 200 CE – Rome becomes the center of the Christian faithChristian faith

ChristianityChristianity307 – 337 CE – Reign of Constantine the Great307 – 337 CE – Reign of Constantine the Great313 CE – Edict of Milan is issued by Constantine 313 CE – Edict of Milan is issued by Constantine legalizing Christianitylegalizing Christianity325 CE – Council of Nicea establishes Nicene 325 CE – Council of Nicea establishes Nicene Creed and Orthodox Christianity – all other Creed and Orthodox Christianity – all other forms of Christianity are made heresies.forms of Christianity are made heresies.376 CE – Western Roman Empire is invaded by 376 CE – Western Roman Empire is invaded by the Huns under Attilathe Huns under Attila395 CE – The Edict of Theodosius is issued 395 CE – The Edict of Theodosius is issued making Christianity the only legal religion in the making Christianity the only legal religion in the Roman Empire - Roman Empire splits into east Roman Empire - Roman Empire splits into east and west at Theodosius’ deathand west at Theodosius’ death395 CE – The beginning of the reliquary trade395 CE – The beginning of the reliquary trade

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

JudaicaJudaicaMenorahs & Ark of the Menorahs & Ark of the CovenantCovenant33rdrd century CE century CERome, ItalyRome, ItalyPaintingPaintingFound inside a Jewish Found inside a Jewish catacombcatacombShows key Hebrew Shows key Hebrew religious symbols – yet very religious symbols – yet very similar to other types of art similar to other types of art also being commissioned in also being commissioned in RomeRome

Synagogue Interior - Wall paintings of Old Testament scenes

Ca. 245-256

Dura Europos, Syria

Painting - tempera on plaster

Similar in style to Roman work

Judaic Art

Synagogue Interior - Wall paintings of Old Testament scenesArk of the Covenant in the Temple of Dagon

JudaicaJudaica

The Consecration of The Consecration of the Tabernaclethe Tabernacle245-256 CE245-256 CEDura-Europos, SyriaDura-Europos, SyriaPaintingPaintingEarly Jewish art Early Jewish art usually focused on usually focused on the Temple and its the Temple and its functionsfunctions

JudaicaJudaica

Isaiah Scroll (Dead Sea Scrolls)Isaiah Scroll (Dead Sea Scrolls)11stst century BCE century BCEQumran, IsraelQumran, IsraelIlluminated Manuscript Illuminated Manuscript This early version of the Book of Isaiah is exactly the same as This early version of the Book of Isaiah is exactly the same as modern onesmodern ones

Early Middle Ages - Eastern Early Middle Ages - Eastern Religious ArtReligious Art

Mithras Slaying the Mithras Slaying the Sacred BullSacred Bull150 – 200 150 – 200 Rome, ItalyRome, ItalyRelief SculptureRelief SculptureThe Mithraic cult focused The Mithraic cult focused on the sun, good vs. evil on the sun, good vs. evil and Mithras – a god who and Mithras – a god who was killed and rose again was killed and rose again 3 days later and was born 3 days later and was born on December 25on December 25

Early Christian Art CharacteristicsEarly Christian Art Characteristics

Decay in styleDecay in styleReligious themes are the focusReligious themes are the focusSubstance over styleSubstance over styleBasilica main form of church buildingBasilica main form of church buildingThe subject matter and story are what’s The subject matter and story are what’s important not the artist or skillimportant not the artist or skill

Baptistery from Christian Community House

Ca. 240-258

Dura Europos, Syria

Architecture/Painting

Baptism was done in homes before churches developed

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtInterior of Old St. Interior of Old St. Peter’s Peter’s C. 324 – 400 CEC. 324 – 400 CERome, ItalyRome, ItalyArchitectural PlanArchitectural PlanThis drawing was done This drawing was done by Jacopo Grimaldi in by Jacopo Grimaldi in 16191619Shows typical Christian Shows typical Christian basilica style church basilica style church planplan

Old Saint Peter’s Basilica (plan)

Rome, Italy

Architectural Plan

Parts of basilica

1. Nave

2. Aisles

3. Apse

4. Transept

5. Narthex (Porch)

6. Atrium

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtInterior of Santa Maria Interior of Santa Maria MaggioreMaggiore430 – 440 CE430 – 440 CERome, ItalyRome, ItalyArchitectureArchitectureThe first church built The first church built dedicated to Marydedicated to MaryMost of the interior is in its Most of the interior is in its original state including the original state including the art workart workUpon entering the eye is Upon entering the eye is immediately drawn to the immediately drawn to the altaraltar

Santa Sabina

Ca. 422-432

Rome, Italy

Architecture

Typical early Christian basilica style with plain interior and plain exterior

Santa Sabina – Interior

Interiors still received more detail than exteriors, continuing Roman tradition – though certainly not as much as the Romans did

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

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtSanta CostanzaSanta Costanza350 CE350 CERome, ItalyRome, ItalyArchitectureArchitectureAlthough most churches were Although most churches were based on the basilica plan, some based on the basilica plan, some were built on circular plans were built on circular plans similar to the tombs of the similar to the tombs of the emperors, especially if it emperors, especially if it contained the relics of an contained the relics of an important saintimportant saintHere the Emperor Constantine’s Here the Emperor Constantine’s sister (Santa Costanza) was sister (Santa Costanza) was placedplacedThe circular plan would see wider The circular plan would see wider use as baptisteriesuse as baptisteries

Santa Costanza

Architectural Plan

Longitudinal Section

Plan

Santa Costanza vault mosaic

ca. 337-351

Rome, Italy

Mosaic

Different Bible and pagan stories mixed

Christ as Sol Invictusfrom the Mausoleum of the Julii

Late 3rd century

Rome, Italy

Mosaic

Christ drives Apollo’s chariot of the sun

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtJesus the Good Jesus the Good ShepherdShepherd33rdrd century CE century CERome, ItalyRome, ItalySculptureSculptureLarge scale sculptures Large scale sculptures are rare in early are rare in early Christian artChristian artShows Christ Shows Christ beardless and in beardless and in Roman garbRoman garb

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtSarcophagus of Junius Sarcophagus of Junius BassusBassus359 CE359 CERome, ItalyRome, ItalySculpture/ReliefSculpture/ReliefEarly Christian sculpture Early Christian sculpture focused on Biblical themes focused on Biblical themes as wellas wellNote the doll like bodies Note the doll like bodies with large headswith large headsNote beardless Christ Note beardless Christ again, in Greek again, in Greek philosopher pose and garbphilosopher pose and garb

Christ Entering Jerusalem

Christ Enthroned

Christ Enthroned

ca. 350-375

Rome, Italy

Sculptureapproximately 2 ft. 4 1/2 in. high

Jesus sits on an imperial throne in togata

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

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtCatacomb of Santissimi Catacomb of Santissimi Pietro e Marcellino CeilingPietro e Marcellino Ceiling44thth century CE century CERome, ItalyRome, ItalyPainting/ArchitecturePainting/ArchitectureAll the earliest Christian All the earliest Christian art can be found in art can be found in underground catacombs underground catacombs like this onelike this oneCatacombs were burial Catacombs were burial places underneath the places underneath the city – usually on the city – usually on the outskirtsoutskirts

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

Orant figure (Praying woman)

3th century

Rome, Italy

Painting - fresco

The early Church had female leaders as well

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtMausoleum of Galla PlacidaMausoleum of Galla Placida425 – 450 CE425 – 450 CERavenna, ItalyRavenna, ItalyArchtectureArchtectureNamed after the Emperor Named after the Emperor Honorius’ sister who was Honorius’ sister who was believed to be buried herebelieved to be buried hereForm of building is a Greek Form of building is a Greek cross – even lengths on all cross – even lengths on all armsarms

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtInterior of Mausoleum of Interior of Mausoleum of Galla PlacidaGalla Placida425 – 450 CE425 – 450 CERavenna, ItalyRavenna, ItalyMosaicMosaicInterior is full of barrel Interior is full of barrel vaultingvaultingWalls are covered in bright Walls are covered in bright mosaicsmosaicsMost tell of St Lawrence’s Most tell of St Lawrence’s life – leads many to believe life – leads many to believe that this was a chapel that this was a chapel dedicated to himdedicated to him

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian Art

Early Christian ArtEarly Christian ArtGood ShepherdGood Shepherd425-450425-450Ravenna, ItalyRavenna, ItalyMosaicMosaicLocated in the tomb of Located in the tomb of Galla Placida this mosaic Galla Placida this mosaic shows us a beardless shows us a beardless Christ acting as a Christ acting as a shepherd tending his flock shepherd tending his flock (allegory)(allegory)Halo is used to show Halo is used to show importance not for holiness importance not for holiness (that came later)(that came later)

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

Saint Apollinare Nuovo – Interior

504

Ravenna, Italy

Architecture

All original interior no additions, only restorations over the years

The Three Wise Men (The Magi)

504

Ravenna, Italy

Mosaic

Mosaics became a crucial church decoration

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

Basilica PlanBasilica Plan

Vienna GenesisEarly 6th century

Syria

Illuminated Manuscript - tempera, gold, silver on purple vellum12 1/4 x 9 1/4 in.

Best example of early Illuminated Manuscript

Vienna Genesis

Genesis chapter 32

Jacob travels to meet EsauJacob travels over the Jabbok brookJacob wrestles with the AngelJacob blessed by the AngelJacob’s 11 sons

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