In the beginning, Christianity was more of a underground religion in Rome, and those who followed Christianity was punished. In 313 C.E., Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, recognizing it as an official religion. At first Christianity was practiced out of homes in small groups. Once legalized, the number of people coming to services grew causing a need for a bigger space. One attribute Christianity brought to architecture is their version of the Roman Basilica, where they added transepts to each side of the north/front apse. Overall, the churches had a central building plan with the entrance opposite of the apse. They also had separate rooms for baptisteries. Many of the churches also utilized clerestory windows, which are windows aligned in a row along the top of the wall. these windows allowed direct light to pass through onto the Nave. One of the most famous churches of this time was the old St. Peter's Cathedral. The exterior was very plain, but the interior was very elaborate; containing biblical frescoes on the walls.
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| Old St. Peter's Cathedral 330 C.E. |
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| painting of interior view of Old St. Peter's Cathedral |
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| An example of Clerestory Windows used in a Cathedral. |
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| An example of a contemporary use of clerestory windows in a home. |
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