Welcome to this course on Christian Archaeology.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Christian Archaeology is the scientific study of the human history of the Church, through the excavation of sacred and other sites, and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. It focuses on the material aspect of the objects of study to discover the roots of Christianity from its earliest years, and how Christian customs and traditions were shaped. A deeper appreciation of our forebears can thus be achieved, enriching our understanding of the Faith, and deriving greater meaning from it.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 

  1. Know and be able to explain the catacomb enclosures, buildings, paintings, sculptures, symbols and graffiti; how they were made and interpreted by their contemporaries.
  2. Through the use and knowledge of graphic material and technical explanations, know the different aspects of Christian life and faith that gave meaning to the existence of the architectural solutions and artistic manifestations under study; and the reason for its evolution, if any.
  3. Understand how through artistic manifestations, the first Christians expressed fundamental points of their faith: e.g., the reality of Christ the Savior, the regeneration of Baptism, the mystery of the Eucharist, the resurrection of bodies and eternal life, etc.
COURSE PROGRAM

I. INTRODUCTION.

  1. Christian Archaeology. 
  2. Sources.

II. CHRISTIAN TOMBS & CATACOMBS

  1. Early Christian Burial. 
  2. The tombs of the Martyrs. 
  3. The tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. 

III. ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENTS

  1. Buildings of Worship. 

IV. ICONOGRAPHY AND EPIGRAPHY

  1. Christian iconography. 
  2. Christian epigraphy. 

V. CHRISTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY & CHURCH HISTORY

  1. Life of the first Christians according to archaeological data. 
SLIDES
READINGS

For the purposes of this course, the slide presentation will suffice. However, the following resources would also be of interest:

Internet Archive
Christian Archaeology, CW Bennett, 1898
The Archaeology of Early Christianity, W Frend, 1996

Oxford Handbook of Early Christian Archaeology, Pettegrew, Caraher, Davis, 2019

Early Christian Writings, Penguin, 1987

Bible Portico, Saxum Foundation, J Gil, 2022

In the Footprints of Our Faith, Saxum Foundation, J Gil, E Gil, H Scott (Holy Land focus)

 

ASSESSMENT
The Assessment Task:
 
8 slide images to identify: 20 questions, 2 points each
Images will have guiding questions. Some may refer to techniques. Identifying techniques is not a requirement.
Marking criteria TBA 
Duration: 50-60 minutes
Date: Monday, 12 January 2026