Early Basilica Churches

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• published: 17 Aug 2014
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The establishment of the early basilica church was a revolution in the church proving to be major cornerstone in the connection between architecture and religion. Video Bibliography https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlwN7hRCi9A - Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris - Sacré-Cœur - HD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61IaMYD4XjM - St. Mark's Basilica | Eastern Influences (Venice, Italy) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XIFmePqfPQ - St Mark's Basilica - Venice - Italy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ry_vjeAzQQ - Vatican: Inside St. Peter's Basilica Script During the period 300 Anno Domini the reign of Constantinople over the Roman Empire the state religion was converted to Christianity, thus having a significant impact on the sacred buildings that were to be built following the monumental decision. The early basilica church evolved from a traditional house church becoming one of the world’s most artistic structures, this model was a cornerstone in the development of church architecture. The early basilica churches consisted of an assembly hall, temple and a private house. The basilica’s unique structure included a long nave with column aisles lit by numerous windows while the altar was given a new refurbishment and view becoming more open to the congregation inside. A key part of the early basilica churches was its domes and bell tower giving a unique architectural statement to be recognised as a basilica. The Basilica’s also included stunning mosaics depicting various spiritual events or figures of the Christian belief including a variety of saints. St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the world most significant and oldest basilicas; consecrated in 1117 due to its many golden symbols and mosaics it is known as the church of Gold. The basilica’s statues, relics and architecture were used to convey a strong belief in the divine nature of Christianity as seen through the influence of the saints and God. During the early years of Christianity the church used architecture as a form of worship and replication of the grandeur that was related to heaven and the pure and perfect nature of God. St. Peter’s basilica is the most recognized church as it is the world’s largest consecrated in 1626 it is also a significant basilica as it is one of the world’s most influential structures. St. Peters basilica was artistically influenced by many renowned architects including Michelangelo. Originally St. Peters Basilica followed the basic model of the early basilica church in the year 360. Roman emperor Constantine ordered the church to be built during the 4th century and serve as one of the major Christian churches in Rome at the time. The original church however was destroyed in the 16th century as the construction of the new church had begun. Many of the world’s early basilica churches were of ancient Roman architecture which has evolved through many historical influences. Each basilica had its own spiritual significance conveyed in several ways including a unique style of architecture for each basilica or an icon saint portrayed through mosaics and statues. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Paris is an iconic basilica that was consecrated late in 1919 however was influenced by many early basilica icons and decorations including items from early 18th century churches. The Basilica was dedicated to the dead soldiers of the Franco-Prussian War during a time where France was suffering from a moral decline after the French Revolution. The Basilica thus was used as symbol of order and righteousness which were key aspects shown through the life of Jesus. These Basilicas in many aspects demonstrated a union after the East-West schism through the aspects and influences of both the western and Eastern Church conveyed through the churches architecture and symbols. Early basilica churches were by far the most significant abiotic figures of the church’s history as they have evolved over the many years and survived through each event in the history of Christianity. The Christian church has changed from the humble home church to something that has been showcased as spiritual and architectural landmark across the world.