Early Christian basilica

An Early Christian basilica is an architectural style used for Christian church buildings from the 4th to 6th centuries. It features a rectangular floor plan with a central nave (main area) flanked by aisles, separated by columns. The design includes a prominent entrance, a nave leading to an apse (semi-circular or polygonal sanctuary) at the altar end. These basilicas often have large windows for natural light and were adapted from Roman civic buildings for worship. They served as communal gathering spaces, emphasizing functionality and later became models for medieval church architecture.