Discover the First Built Churches: A Journey Through Early Christian Architecture with Dr. Lily Filson 🕍✨

Course Description:

Embark on a captivating journey through time as you explore the fascinating world of Early Christian Architecture. In this comprehensive online course, "Essentials of Early Christian Architecture," we will delve into the origins and development of Christianity's earliest and most significant built environments. From the intimate settings of early house churches to the grandeur of the basilicas that would come later, this course offers a detailed examination of how Christians across diverse regions adapted and transformed their spaces for worship.

Key Highlights:

• 🏛️ Historical Context: Understand the historical backdrop against which Early Christian Architecture emerged, including the influences of Roman and Egyptian architectural styles.

• ⚔️ Transitional Periods: Witness the transformation in architecture after Christianity was officially endorsed by the Roman Empire, leading to new design requirements for accommodating larger congregations.

• 🕌 Iconic Sites: Explore iconic sites such as Rome, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and the Sinai Peninsula, and see how they shaped Early Christian Architecture.

• 🗺️ From Private Homes to Majestic Basilicas: Trace the evolution from simple domestic spaces and underground catacombs to the majestic basilicas of late antiquity.

• 🎨 Adaptation of Greco-Roman Temples: Examine how Greco-Roman temple forms were repurposed and reinterpreted within the Christian context, creating a unique architectural tradition.

• 🌍 Impact Across Continents: Learn how these early architectural choices influenced church design not only in Rome but across Western Europe and the Byzantine Empire in the East.

Course Breakdown:

1. The Domestic Churches: Analyze the use of private homes for communal worship and the significance of spaces like Dura-Europos and the Roman catacombs.

2. From Proscription to Patronage: Explore how the change in status from a persecuted to an official religion affected church design and construction.

3. The Evolution of Church Spaces: Study the transformation from small, functional spaces to large, ornate basilicas capable of accommodating large congregations.

4. Greco-Roman Elements in Christian Design: Identify how architectural elements borrowed from Greco-Roman and Egyptian traditions were adapted for Christian purposes.

5. The Birth of a Distinctive Tradition: Trace the development of Early Christian Architecture into a distinct tradition that would characterize the religious landscapes of the ancient world.

Instructor Profile:

Led by Dr. Lily Filson, an expert in the field with years of experience in teaching and researching Early Christian Architecture, this course promises to be both educational and enlightening. Her passion for this niche subject matter is evident in her engaging teaching style, which brings the past to life for her students.

Join us now and uncover the intricate tapestry of history woven into the first built churches. Enroll in "Essentials of Early Christian Architecture" to gain a deeper appreciation for the architectural achievements that shaped one of the world's most significant religions. Let's explore together how faith, culture, and artistry converged to create some of humanity's most enduring structures. 🌐✝️🏛️