Lecture on Old Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome

Introduction

• Focus: Old Saint Peter's Basilica
• Period: Early Christian
• Purpose: Introduction of vocabulary for church architecture
• Transition from Roman state religion to Christianity

Historical Context

• Constantine becomes emperor after defeating Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge
• Moves Roman capital to Byzantium (renamed Constantinople, now Istanbul)
• Legalizes Christianity with Edict of Milan (313 AD), promoting religious tolerance
• Initiates building campaign for Christian worship spaces

Differences Between Pagan and Christian Worship Spaces

• Pagan temples: Offerings outside, outdoor altars, private house altars
• Christian churches: Needed interior space for community gatherings

Evolution to Basilica Style

• Roman basilicas as architectural precedent
• Examples: Basilica Ulpia, Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine
• Characteristics: Large interior spaces, post-and-lintel structures, wooden roofing

Old Saint Peter's Basilica

• Vast space, held up to 15,000 people
• Largest church in Christian world until the 11th century
• Original structure torn down and rebuilt in the 16th century
• Comparison to Roman basilica with use of columns and wooden roofs

Vocabulary of Basilica-style Churches

Floor Plan

• Nave: Central space, two or three stories high, flanked by aisles
• Aisles: Parallel to nave, separated by columns or piers, allow movement
• Narthex: Entrance porch or chamber before the nave, not always present
• Apse: Large semicircular vaulted niche at the end, contains the altar

Architectural Elements

• Clearstory windows: High windows above lower roofing elements, provide light to nave

Significance of Old Saint Peter's

• Initiated by Emperor Constantine, showing acceptance of Christianity
• Constantine's mother was a secret practicing Christian
• Important milestone in the acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Connection to Roman and Christian Architecture

• Layout inspired by Roman administrative basilicas, not religious edifices
• Designed to hold many people, suitable for Christian worship
• Transition from Roman state religion to Christianity in architectural form

Next Steps

• Video overview of Santa Sabina as comparative structure
• Santa Sabina: Early Christian church, similar style to Old Saint Peter's, smaller scale

Conclusion

• Understanding early Christian basilica church layout and architecture