Nusrat KayserMarch 18, 2014Art History EssayTopic 13History plays a very important role in the development of art and architecture. Over time, people, events and religion have contributed to the evolution of art. Christianity has become a very common and well-established religion, however in the past it was hidden and some people worshiped this religion in secret. Gradually, Christianity became a growing religion and attracted many converts from different social statuses. Christian art was heavily influenced by the Greco-Romans, but was greatly impacted by the Edict of Milan in 313 AD. The Edict of Milan was so significant that scholars divide Christian art into two time periods, before and after 'Edict of Milan of 313. The Edict of Milan was proclaimed by the Roman emperor Constantine after defeating the emperor Maxentius in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. After Constantine's victory over Maxentius, the Roman Senate celebrated by building an arch at the base of the Palatine, known as the Arch of Constantine. Marvel at the ancient building structures of freestanding columns, consisting of carved reliefs of victories, trophies and a triple door. The Arch of Constantine has circular reliefs representing the sun and moon at the east and west ends. On the keystones of the arches were carvings of the river and other gods. A very significant and striking aspect of this arch is the historical motif, called a frieze, carved on the sides of the arch which represents the ethos and style of the architecture of that period. The Edict of Milan was a document that led to the establishment of religious toleration throughout Rome and put an end to... middle of paper... the statue was believed to have been created to represent the entire era. After the Edict of Milan, the cities underwent slow transformation. Although it continued to be the hub of urban life, many temples were slowly replaced by Christian buildings. The emperor strongly encouraged Christian art and architecture. Theodosius I, the last Roman emperor, recognized Christianity as the state religion in 380. Art was no longer created secretly underground or hidden inside churches; could be displayed openly before the public. For the first time, several basilicas were built openly for Christian worship, and paintings and mosaics of biblical stories were created within them for public viewing. The Edict of Milan made the Roman Empire a huge contributor to Christian art and architecture and created an extraordinary revolution in history.