Coexistence of Pagans and Christians

While historical record testifies to an antagonistic, perhaps even combative relationship between Christians and non-Christians, the art of the third and fourth centuries seems to indicate that they coexisted in the same areas, living in the same kinds of places, often using the same kinds of objects, and honoring their dead in similar fashion. Objects from this time period often have no direct reference to particular religion, and sometimes they even combine imagery from Roman religions and Christian stories. For example, a small box now in London, made for the bride Projecta, depicts mythological scenes that were common for personal luxury objects such as Venus combing her hair, while the inscription urges Projecta and her husband Secundus to "live in Christ." Objects such as this one indicate that the transition from Roman religions, where people often made sacrifices to gods and goddesses like Venus, to the virtual domination of Christianity was not an immediate switch, but one that occurred slowly over time. Artists making objects like the little casket of Projecta, decorating the walls of catacombs, or carving sarcophagi likely worked for Christian and non-Christian patrons equally frequently.

Projecta casket, 4C, Silver, with silver gilt. London, British Museum. 66, 12-29, 1. "Secvnde et Proiecta vivatis in Christo"