Identify the distinctive features of basilicas and central-plan churches, and discuss how the forms of these early churches were geared toward specific types of Christian worship and devotional practice. .

PART A

Basilicas are characterized by longitudinal building plans, which comprises of an atrium, narthex, portals etc.

The Central Christian churches had a more vertical axis from the center up through the dome.

PART B

The Basilica was seen as the pope's church

The Basilica symbolises the Pope's authority over all Christians.

(1) The Central-plan churches were first used as tombs, they are known with the presence of baptisteries.

(2) The Central-planchurches were built over the graves of Christian martyrs.

Explanation: The Basilica is a special church usually associated with the Roam Catholic church and the Greek Ortodox churches, the basilica is a title conferred on a church building by the pope,it is usually known as the Pope' s church.

Central-plan Christian churches are churches built upon the graves of early Christian martyrs, they are known to contain baptisteries (where people are baptised.