Constantinian Basilicas: Jerusalem, Rome, Bethlehem
Basilica of the Anastasis, Jerusalem (circa 336)
The Constantinian basilica, originally a tripartite structure (Martyrion, Triportico, and Anastasis), is now primarily represented by the Rotunda of the Anastasis. This rotunda, frequently restored, stands as a grand mausoleum over the purported empty tomb of Christ. It is considered a significant temple of martyrs, with known architects, a rarity for the time: Eustace and Cenobio of Constantinople.
The Anastasis was designed to accommodate pilgrims
Read MoreRavenna’s Early Christian Mosaics: Orthodox Baptistery & Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
Baptistery of the Orthodox Mosaics
Mosaics appear in the Baptistery of the Orthodox. Saint Peter and Saint Paul, as the main apostles, flank the throne of Christ who presides over the composition in the outer ring. Meanwhile, the scene of the Baptism is designed symmetrically: the figure of Christ occupies the center, flanked by the Baptist and the personification of the Jordan River.
After Justinian’s conquest in 540, the building was reconsecrated to the Catholic faith, as were many others by the
Read MoreServitude and Tragedy in Rural Extremadura
Life on the Estate: Servants and Masters
The story centers on the life of a family of servants on a rural estate in Extremadura, framed by the daily routine. The narrative masterfully uses language adorned with local idioms. The background features the power embodied by the ‘Master’, Iván, and his feverish passion for hunting. We also see the scatterbrained wife of Don Pedro Perito, an unhappy puppet, almost another servant within the established hierarchy, highlighting the limits of power.
The Servant
Read MoreReligious Terms: Definitions and Origins
Ablution (Lat. Ablutio): In some religions, a ritual purification ceremony using water.
Agnosticism (Gr. Agnostos “unknown”): Philosophical doctrines that consider understanding or knowledge of all things (especially the existence of God and nature) inaccessible to humans, reducing knowledge to phenomenal science.
Anathema (Lat. Anathema): Canonical sentence of excommunication from the bosom of the Church.
Totem (Algonquin, totem): Natural entities, generally an animal, considered a religious object
Read MoreCatholicism: Key Terms and Concepts Explained
Key Catholic Terms and Concepts
Creed – Latin credo, “I believe.” Confession of faith.
Transcendentals – Goodness, truth, and beauty. God reveals himself through these things.
Evil – Absence of goodness/love.
Angels – Pure spirits created out of nothing for union with God at the beginning of time.
Incarnation – The mystery of how God, the second person of the Trinity, became human.
Demons – Angels that follow Satan.
Guardian Angels – Angel given to each person to pray for, protect, and guide.
Transubstantiation
Read MoreThe Inca Civilization: History, Society, and Culture
The Inca culture occupied the area previously inhabited by the Tiahuanaco culture, estimated to have begun around 1200 AD. According to historical tradition, the Incas arrived in the region now known as Peru, which was then inhabited by the Quechua and the Chanca peoples. They subsequently mixed with these groups and adopted the Quechua language. This culture was located in the territory of countries such as Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and part of northeast Argentina. As a whole, the Inca empire
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