Early Christian and Byzantine Art Assessment

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Quizzes Created: 7153 | Total Attempts: 9,522,946
| Questions: 28 | Updated: Nov 5, 2025
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1. Where is the Good Shepherd Catacomb located?

Explanation

The Good Shepherd Catacomb in Rome (3rd century) features early Christian frescoes symbolizing Christ as the shepherd guiding his followers. It exemplifies early Christian burial art within catacombs, reflecting faith in resurrection and eternal care.

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About This Quiz
Art History Quizzes & Trivia

Explore the depths of Early Christian and Byzantine art in this focused assessment. This quiz will test your understanding of key artistic developments and cultural influences from these periods, enhancing your appreciation and knowledge of historical art forms.

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2. Where is the Jonah Catacomb of Sts. Peter and Marcellinus located?

Explanation

The Jonah Catacomb of Sts. Peter and Marcellinus in Rome depicts biblical scenes symbolizing salvation. The story of Jonah’s deliverance from the whale parallels Christ’s resurrection, making it a central image in early Christian funerary art.

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3. What is depicted in Fig. 3?

Explanation

The Orante, Catacomb of Priscilla portrays a veiled woman with raised arms in prayer. This gesture symbolizes piety and eternal life, common in early Christian iconography within burial chambers.

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4. What is depicted in Fig. 4?

Explanation

The Banquet Scene, found in Priscilla’s catacomb, symbolizes the Eucharist and the promise of heavenly communion. It reflects the blending of Roman funerary banquet imagery with emerging Christian theology.

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5. What is depicted in Fig. 5?

Explanation

The Jonah Sarcophagus (late 3rd c.) portrays the prophet swallowed and released by a sea creature, symbolizing resurrection. It was widely used to express salvation through Christ.

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6. What is the Latin term for a burial niche in a wall, typically found in catacombs?

Explanation

The Latin term Loculus refers to a burial niche in catacombs, designed to hold individual bodies. These were sealed with stone slabs, often inscribed with Christian symbols.

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7. What is depicted in Fig. 8?

Explanation

The Junius Bassus Sarcophagus (4th c.) displays detailed carvings of Old and New Testament scenes, symbolizing redemption. It illustrates the transition from Roman realism to Christian symbolism.

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8. What is depicted in Fig. 9?

Explanation

The Jonah Sculptures from Asia Minor (3rd c.) depict salvation themes consistent with early Christian theology. They reflect the diffusion of Christian art across the Mediterranean.

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9. In which ancient city is the Domus Ecclesiae located?

Explanation

The Domus Ecclesiae in Dura-Europos (3rd c.) represents one of the first Christian house churches, with spaces for worship and baptism, showing early Christian adaptation of domestic structures for liturgical use.

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10. What is depicted in Fig. 11?

Explanation

The Baptistery in Dura-Europos includes one of the earliest depictions of Christ’s baptism. It symbolizes initiation into faith, crucial to early Christian rituals.

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11. What is depicted in Fig. 12?

Explanation

Old Saint Peter’s Basilica (4th c.) in Rome marks a pivotal shift to monumental Christian architecture, incorporating Roman basilica plans for congregational worship.

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12. What is depicted in Fig. 13?

Explanation

Santa Sabina (5th c.) represents early basilican architecture with classical proportions and clerestory lighting, influencing medieval church design.

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13. What is depicted in Fig. 14?

Explanation

The Santa Sabina Nave showcases elegant columns and mosaics, emphasizing light as a divine symbol in Christian architecture.

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14. What is depicted in Fig. 15?

Explanation

The Mausoleum of Constantina (4th c.) reflects imperial patronage of Christianity. Its central plan and mosaics represent eternity and divine order.

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15. What is depicted in Fig. 16?

Explanation

The Mosaic of Constantina uses floral and geometric designs to symbolize paradise, reflecting early Christian transformation of Roman decorative art.

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16. Identify the event depicted in Fig. 17.

Explanation

The Feast of Abraham mosaic (5th c.) in Santa Maria Maggiore portrays divine visitation and hospitality, interpreted as a prefiguration of the Eucharist.

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17. In which artwork can the Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi be found?

Explanation

The Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi (5th c.) in Santa Maria Maggiore express core Christian doctrines—Incarnation and Christ’s divine revelation to the world.

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18. What is depicted in Fig. 19?

Explanation

Christ Enthroned, Santa Pudenziana (5th c.), depicts Christ as divine ruler amidst apostles, showing early Byzantine influences and the glorification of Christ as cosmic king.

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19. What is depicted in Fig. 20?

Explanation

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (5th c.) features luminous mosaics symbolizing salvation. Its cross-shaped layout represents faith’s triumph over death.

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20. Identify the event depicted in Fig. 21.

Explanation

The Martyrdom of St. Vincent mosaic reflects early Christian valorization of martyrdom as spiritual victory, set within rich Ravenna mosaics.

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21. Where is Fig. 22 located?

Explanation

The Orthodox Baptistery, Ravenna (5th c.) represents early Christian use of domed architecture. Its octagonal form symbolizes renewal through baptism.

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22. What is depicted in Fig. 23?

Explanation

The Interior of the Orthodox Baptistery showcases mosaics of Christ’s baptism, using gold tesserae to create divine radiance, a hallmark of Byzantine art.

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23. What is depicted in Fig. 24?

Explanation

The Ivory Plaque with Passion Scenes (5th c.) exemplifies Christian narrative art in luxury materials, illustrating Christ’s sacrifice with emotional depth.

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24. What is depicted in Fig. 25?

Explanation

The Ampulla from Palestine (6th c.) was a pilgrim’s vessel for holy water or oil, reflecting widespread devotional travel in early Christianity.

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25. What is tufa?

Explanation

Tufa, a soft volcanic stone, was used for carving catacombs due to its lightness and ease of excavation, shaping much of Rome’s underground burial architecture.

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26. What is a loculus?

Explanation

A Loculus served as an individual burial niche in catacombs, sealed with inscribed slabs often bearing symbols like fish or Chi-Rho.

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27. What is a cubiculum?

Explanation

A Cubiculum was a small burial chamber in catacombs, often adorned with frescoes. It served as a family tomb, reflecting early Christian burial customs.

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28. What does the term 'Refrigerium' refer to in ancient Rome?

Explanation

The Refrigerium was a Roman funerary feast held near tombs to honor the dead, blending pagan and early Christian traditions of remembrance and spiritual communion.

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  • Answered
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Where is the Good Shepherd Catacomb located?
Where is the Jonah Catacomb of Sts. Peter and Marcellinus located?
What is depicted in Fig. 3?
What is depicted in Fig. 4?
What is depicted in Fig. 5?
What is the Latin term for a burial niche in a wall, typically found...
What is depicted in Fig. 8?
What is depicted in Fig. 9?
In which ancient city is the Domus Ecclesiae located?
What is depicted in Fig. 11?
What is depicted in Fig. 12?
What is depicted in Fig. 13?
What is depicted in Fig. 14?
What is depicted in Fig. 15?
What is depicted in Fig. 16?
Identify the event depicted in Fig. 17.
In which artwork can the Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi be...
What is depicted in Fig. 19?
What is depicted in Fig. 20?
Identify the event depicted in Fig. 21.
Where is Fig. 22 located?
What is depicted in Fig. 23?
What is depicted in Fig. 24?
What is depicted in Fig. 25?
What is tufa?
What is a loculus?
What is a cubiculum?
What does the term 'Refrigerium' refer to in ancient Rome?
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