Some of the earliest Christian art that we know about was found in the catacombs of Rome. Why were the symbols that we commonly associate with Christianity today, such as the cross, NOT represented in this artwork?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

Artists did not yet know religious stories involving a cross existed.

Artists did not yet know religious stories involving a cross existed.

The cross was more explicitly Christian than other ambiguous symbols.

The cross was more explicitly Christian than other ambiguous symbols.

It was illegal to create overtly religious symbols in areas such as the catacombs.

It was illegal to create overtly religious symbols in areas such as the catacombs.

The only representations of Christianity allowed in the catacombs were a fish and an anchor.

Answer 1

The correct response is: It was illegal to create overtly religious symbols in areas such as the catacombs.

During the time when the catacombs were used, Christians faced persecution, and overtly religious symbols like the cross would have been risky to use in their artwork. Instead, they employed more ambiguous symbols that could convey their faith without drawing unwanted attention.