Chapter 7 Homework Questions: Early Christian, Early Jewish, and Byzantine Art (Due Thursday, October 31)

1.     What are the basic meanings of the Christian symbols of the dove, fish and lamb?

2.     How is the Bible organized? Describe its formal structure and the origins of the main books.

3.     Geographically and administratively, how was the early church organized?

4.     What are the different types of Christian art we have from the time prior to Constantine?

5.     What were the architectural elements of the basilica plan, and the central church plan?

6.     What scenes are portrayed in the mosaics of Galla Placidia?

7.     What scenes are shown on the sarcophagus of Junius Bassus?

8.     What two forms have books taken? Describe them.

9.     Why was Constantinople easy to defend?

10.  How is the main dome of the Hagia Sophia supported?

11.  How does the dome of the Hagia Sophia differ from the dome of the Pantheon?

12.  What stories do the mosaics of San Vitale in Ravenna tell?

13.  What were the purpose of Byzantine manuscripts?

14.  What caused the iconoclasm of 726 CE and what was the result?

15.  What inspired the doge of Venice to commission the Cathedral of St. Mark?