Art History in the 15th Century 2006 Art in the 15th century was generally and basically characterized by the establishment of churches and other places for worship . It should be noted that the buildings of the Early Church have physically evolved for about two thousand years , molded by external influences and prevailing theological ideas . Construction of Early Christian basilicas were influenced by pagan , secular and other religions . Because the Catholic Church ‘s following had rapidly grown in the period , construction and physical design of the Early Christian churches greatly contributed to the evolution of architectural ideas . Basilicas were initially constructed to provide venues where people met and assembled for social and political gatherings . But because religion started to integrate with such function , basilicas eventually evolved to become centers for religious activities . The differences between the pagan and Early Christian basilica structures in the Romanesque period were set by the nature of the religious and cult practices performed within them . For example the Trajan pagan basilica was built and designed in such a way that cult and pagan practices and ceremonies were generally performed outside the structure . The temple basically served as a solemn house of the cult , where pagan gods ‘ statues and other things were housed . This generally reflects the openness and inclusive nature of pagan religious practices and beliefs . In contrast , the Christian religion ‘s churches , like the Church of St .George at Vatos , focused on the interior , where religious practices were to be held in front of symbolic furnishings like the cross and images of the Jesus Christ and several saints . BIBLIOGRAPHY Arts Values : Rome and the Emergence of Christianity . URL :http /www .academic marist .edu . Date Retrieved : July 21 , 2006…