Essay 2: What features did early Christian architects take from Roman builders, and what new techniques did they develop? Discuss specific features from at least 3 buildings.
Early Christian architects used the Roman Basilica which is a large oblong hall or building with double colonnades and semicircular apse as a model. Old St. Peter's (built by Constatine) had a central nave with flanking aisles and a apse at the end to symbolize the Christian cross. Clerestory windows were utilized to provide natural light that accented the candle light. Old St. Peters also had a courtyard and a transept. The builders of Santa Costanza applied a new technique called the central-plan. A central-plan: round dome structures placed adjacent to the main basilica. Santa Costanza has 12 pairs of columns and a vaulted ambulatory (ringlike barrel-vaulted corridor). Most of Santa Sabina survives today with carved wooden doors and the timber-roof that was typical of previous Christian churches. All three churches had plain brick exteriors (different from Roman temples). The interiors consisted of wall paintings (fresco), mosaics, and marble columns.
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