The most amazing thing about Pompeii is the preserved mosaics that give us insight into 1st-century art. Many of the patterns endure over centuries, but some of these early patterns hint at a Christian following. We can see the cross in stone on our walking tour. Let’s explore the cross-like designs in the Pompeii archeology park.
[Read more…] about Did Pompeii Know the Cross? Rethinking Its MosaicsBreaking Rome’s Social Ladder: Christianity And The Dignity Of Labor
Christianity did not promote elitism for those who held political power or social status, but reached all levels of society, from the Roman political chambers to individual slaves. Roman society was, in some ways, anti-tradesmen, with particular biases shaping views of different craftspeople, especially those making mosaics. What was the mosaic influence in the first century?
[Read more…] about Breaking Rome’s Social Ladder: Christianity And The Dignity Of LaborPompeii Preserved Crosses of the 1st Century
A two-day eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed and buried the Roman city of Pompeii under vast amounts of ash and volcanic material. To this day, in Pompeii, they continue excavating the former city, as one-third still lies under volcanic debris. The city, frozen in time by volcanic rock, offers a unique glimpse of life in the 1st century. Did this city preserve Christian elements that had recently arrived? Let’s take a look.
[Read more…] about Pompeii Preserved Crosses of the 1st Century

