Period 11 · c. 200-600 CE
Early Christian Art
Christian art began underground, in the catacombs of Rome, and by the fifth century filled the mosaics of Ravenna. Start here for the first images of Christ and Mary and for the Western capital that held the empire's last splendour.
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Early Christian ArtRome’s Catacombs Hold Some of the Oldest Christian Paintings
They were cemeteries, not hiding places, and their paintings borrow Roman styles to carry Christian meanings.
Early Christian ArtSaint Catherine’s Monastery, Its Burning Bush and Icons
Founded under Justinian in the 6th century at the foot of Mount Sinai, the monastery keeps some of the oldest surviving icons.
Early Christian ArtBasilica Cistern: Its History, Columns and Medusa Heads
Justinian's engineers built the Basilica Cistern in 532 to store water for the palace, with 336 columns under brick vaults.
Early Christian ArtThe Holy Sepulchre, From Constantine to the Crusaders
Built by Constantine in the 4th century, the church over the traditional tomb of Jesus was rebuilt by the Crusaders in 1149.Most read first
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Byzantine ArtSaint Catherine’s Monastery, Its Burning Bush and Icons
Founded under Justinian in the 6th century at the foot of Mount Sinai, the monastery keeps some of the oldest surviving icons.Byzantine ArtBasilica Cistern: Its History, Columns and Medusa Heads
Justinian's engineers built the Basilica Cistern in 532 to store water for the palace, with 336 columns under brick vaults.ArchitectureThe Holy Sepulchre, From Constantine to the Crusaders
Built by Constantine in the 4th century, the church over the traditional tomb of Jesus was rebuilt by the Crusaders in 1149.Early Christian ArtRome’s Catacombs Hold Some of the Oldest Christian Paintings
They were cemeteries, not hiding places, and their paintings borrow Roman styles to carry Christian meanings.
Byzantine Art
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