For nearly a century, the structure known as the “Christian Building” in Dura-Europos has been heralded as a quintessential example of early Christian architecture. Dating back to around 232 CE, this building—located in the ancient Roman city of Dura-Europos in modern-day Syria—has long been considered the prototypical domus ecclesiae, or house church. This term describes a residential space adapted for Christian worship at a time when public practice of Christianity was believed to be met with persecution.

However, recent research published in the Journal of Roman Archaeology challenges this long-standing narrative, suggesting that the so-called domus ecclesiae might not have been domestic in form or function after its renovations. This study raises fundamental questions about the traditional understanding of early Christian worship spaces.

The study, conducted by Camille Leon Angelo, a Ph.D. candidate at Yale University, and Joshua Silver, a doctoral researcher at the University of Manchester, scrutinizes the architectural and functional characteristics of the building in question. Their findings propose that the Christian Building was likely not a residential space before its transformation for Christian use.

Plan of Dura Europos with the situation of the Christian Church, the synagogue and the defense towers
Plan of Dura Europos with the situation of the Christian Church, the synagogue and the defense towers. Credit: Jchancerel / Wikimedia Commons

Angelo and Silver’s research involved a detailed comparison of the Christian Building’s architectural features with those of other domestic structures in Dura-Europos. They also examined how renovations altered the building’s natural light flow, providing substantial evidence that it deviated significantly from typical residential designs of the time.

According to Angelo, A careful comparison of later architectural features of the building with those of other domestic structures in Dura-Europos reveals considerable evidence that it was not a domestic church.

The Christian Building was initially believed to be a private residence that was converted around 234 CE for Christian worship. It was considered a critical link in the architectural evolution from private Christian homes mentioned in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 12:12) to the larger basilicas constructed under Emperor Constantine.

The site of the ancient city of Dura Europos
The site of the ancient city of Dura Europos. Credit: Alen Ištoković / Wikimedia Commons

However, this new analysis casts doubt on this interpretation, questioning whether the building’s origins were truly domestic.

The researchers revisited archival excavation reports and compared the Christian Building’s features with typical homes in Dura-Europos. They noted significant differences, such as the presence of figurative murals, the lack of a cistern for water storage, and unique room layouts that diverged from standard residential designs.

For instance, the building lacked typical domestic amenities and included unusually large and small rooms compared to other homes in the city.

The domus ecclesiae in 2008
The “domus ecclesiae” in 2008. Credit: Marsyas / Wikimedia Commons

Additionally, the study’s authors used simulations to analyze how natural light interacted with the building, revealing that its renovations allowed more of the building’s interior to be used throughout the day without artificial lighting. This finding further suggests that the building’s design was tailored to specific functions rather than general residential use.

Angelo emphasizes that this new perspective on the Christian Building could challenge deeply ingrained assumptions about early Christian worship spaces. if this is the only securely dated example we have, and it was not particularly or even remotely domestic, then why do we maintain that perception? she asks.

The Christian building had little in common with any domestic space in Dura, and therefore challenges the narrative of the material origins of early Christianity, said Camille Leon Angelo, adding that she undoubtedly expects resistance against such a bold challenge to entrenched understandings of what early Christianity was like.

Interior of the baptistery of the domus ecclesiae of Dura Europos
Interior of the baptistery of the “domus ecclesiae” of Dura Europos. Credit: Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

This reevaluation is part of ongoing research into the history and architecture of Dura-Europos, with efforts such as the International Digital Archive Dura-Europos (IDEA) aiming to provide digital access to artifacts and documentation from the city’s excavations.

This initiative seeks to enhance our understanding of early Christian communities and their architectural practices.

As the debate continues, scholars like Angelo and Silver advocate for a reassessment of early Christian history based on empirical evidence rather than established assumptions.

SOURCES

University of Yale

Angelo CL, Silver J. Debating the domus ecclesiae at Dura-Europos: the Christian Building in context. Journal of Roman Archaeology. Published online 2024:1-40. doi:10.1017/S1047759424000126

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