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, he was hidden and a few people secretly worshiped him. Gradually, Christianity became a growing religion and attracted many converts from different social statuses. Christian art was heavily influenced by the Greco-Romans, but it was enormously influenced by the establishment of the Edict of Milan in 313 AD. The Edict of Milan was so important that scholars divide Christian art into two periods, before and after the Edict of Milan of 313. The Edict of Milan was proclaimed by the Roman Emperor Constantine after he defeated the Emperor Maxentius at the Battle of Milan. Milvian Bridge. After Constantine's victory over Maxentius, the Roman Senate celebrated by creating an arch at the base of the Palatine, known as the Arch of Constantine. It amazes with ancient free-standing columnar building structures, consisting of carved reliefs of victories, trophies and a triple gate. The Arch of Constantine features circular reliefs depicting the sun and moon at the east and west ends. On the keys of the arches there were sculptures of the river and other gods. A very significant and stunning aspect of this arch is the historical motif, called a frieze, which was carved on the sides of the arch and represents the architectural ethos and style of that period. The Edict of Milan was a document that led to the creation of religious tolerance throughout Rome and ended...... middle of paper...... the statue was believed to have been created to represent the whole era. After the establishment of the Edict of Milan, the cities went under a slow transformation. Although it continued to be the center 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; it could be displayed openly before the public. For the first time, several basilicas were built openly for Christian worship and inside these basilicas, paintings and mosaics of biblical stories were created for public viewing. The Edict of Milan made the Roman Empire a huge contributor to Christian art and architecture and created a tremendous revolution in history..