of size. All buildings were used ranging from the smallest private home to the grand coliseum, "The Coliseum, which we meet first, on our right, was bristling with churches. There was one at the foot of the Colossus of the sun besides other chapels and oratories within the ampitheatre itself" (Lanciani p.161). As the popularity of paganism fell and that of Christianity soared, many pagan buildings were simply abandoned. In reaction to this the Christians made use of these structures as best they could. By taking advantage of these newly available buildings, the Christians succeeded not only in expanding their church, but also in erasing the memories of paganism.Any opportunity which was provided for replacing, covering, or otherwise erasing paganism was capatalized on. Statues of pagan heroes and deities were taken down, often destroyed, and then replaced by symbols of Christianity such as a crucifix or a statue of the Virgin Mary. When archeological sites which are historically known to be pagan religious sites are excavated there will almost certainly be Christian artifacts to be found. They may not be immediately noticable because in many instances the Christian additions were makeshift and not permanent, but upon close inspection there will most likely be some evidence of Christian influence. This evidence may be as little as etchings in the walls or the decaying remains of a painting or other artwork, or they can be as obvious as an intact statue of the Virgin Mary.(Lanciani p.162-163)The encroachment of Christianity into Pagan buildings and architecture was not confined to those of the living. The cemetaries and graveyards were also gradually removed of pagan influence and replaced with those of Christianity. "Pagan gravestones and ex-votos are no longer set up, while Christian epitaphs and increasingly rich burials come into view" (MacMullen p.133).In conclusion, Christianity has come a long way since the days when it ...
