Final answer:
Early Christianity used centralized plans for tombs and buildings associated with rituals, adopting the architectural model of the basilica. Christians focused on the interior of their buildings to accommodate congregations and convey the authority of Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Christianity used centralized plans for both tombs and buildings associated with rituals. The church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy is an example of an Eastern, centrally planned church.
The architectural model they adopted was the basilica, which featured a central nave with aisles on each side and an apse at one end.
This style differed from classical pagan forms, as temples were deemed unsuitable due to their association with outdoor pagan cults. Instead, Christians focused on the interior of their buildings, creating large spaces to house congregations and convey the authority of Christianity.
One example of an Eastern, centrally planned church is the church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.