Early Christian and Medieval Rome: A Guide to the Art and Architecture

ContentEarly Christian and Medieval Rome looks at the fascinating art and architecture in Rome dating from between about 300 and 1300. In the fourth and fifth centuries, Rome was the most important city in the west for the early development of buildings for Christian use and of imagery employed by both the Church authorities and by the practising Christians. Many Christians still had links with traditional Roman religions and with Judaism. It remained the most prestigious centre in the west in the following centuries, despite political upheavals. With the papacy established at its heart, patronage and artistic production prospered, with high points in the ninth and again in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. MaterialThis book explores churches, baptisteries, houses and catacombs with extraordinary mosaic and painted decoration. It also includes sculpture, reliquaries, icons, ivories and metalwork, which were used throughout the period. AudienceIt is designed to appeal to the casua