Final answer:
The statement that the first Christian churches were patterned after Roman basilicas is true. The basilica provided a fitting structure for Christian services, differentiating from pagan temples and was further adapted with a cruciform shape symbolic of the Christian faith.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Christian Architecture
The statement that the first Christian churches were patterned after Roman basilicas is true. The basilica design was chosen specifically for its utility and ample interior space, which facilitated the gatherings of Christians and their worship activities. Unlike Roman temples, which were mostly structures focused on the exterior and dedicated to housing cult figures and treasures, a basilica offered a large and enclosed interior suitable for services and rituals integral to the Christian faith. The Christian basilica had a central nave, one aisle on each side, and an apse at one end. This formula was respected and can still be seen in modern church designs.
In addition to the basic structure, the early Christian architects added a transept to the traditional basilica form to give it a cruciform shape, symbolizing the cross. The Old St. Peter's Basilica is a prime example of this architectural evolution.
Furthermore, in the Eastern (Byzantine) Empire, an adaptation of the basilica gave rise to centrally planned churches, characterized by a central dome with surrounding ambulatory, such as the church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.