History 1: Early Christianity

The Early Christian era lies between 330-800 C.E. Upon the death of Christ Christianity began in ancient Judea, an outpost of the Roman Empire. Because of this new religion it was seen to be a threat in the Roman Empire because it did not declare divinity of the Emperor. With Christianity not being well accepted in Rome, it resulted in it being difficult to study and had to be done in secrecy. The lower class was the group that more prominently practiced this religion "underground."

Finally, in 313 C.E. Constantine recognized Christianity as a valid religion, this was done through the Edict of Milan. He declared this religion as the religion with all rights and privileges as any other religion.

With this validity of Christianity, Christians were able to worship in homes and display artifacts representing and symbolizing characters of their faith. The Emperor believed he had a vision from God during the battle of Milvian were their was a Christian cross.

Since this religion became legal to publicly worship, a need for a proper worshiping facilities become apparent.