The Materiality of Early Christ Devotion: Artistic Innovation at Four Archaeological Sites

In the fourth and fifth centuries CE, Christian artistry began to flourish, as elite patrons sponsored decorative initiatives for basilica churches throughout the Mediterranean basin. But what about the first three centuries? Living prior to the Constantinian age of tolerance, did Christ followers of that period engage in artistic expressions that externalized their theological hopes and convictions?

The question can best be answered by consulting the ancient material record itself. The stud...