84 The Early Christian Architecture of Ireland, 



The Christian architecture of Europe had its origin in the 

 temple architecture of Rome in Pagan times. The original 

 type of the Christian temple was the Roman Basilica. Mr. 

 Fergusson says in the time of Augustus Roman architecture 

 was of the Grecian style, without arches or vaults, but, by the 

 gradual process of evolution, in the age of Constantine it had 

 become changed to suit the requirements of Christian worship 

 and ceremonials. Romanesque architecture was based on that 

 of the period of Constantine, and prevailed over the entire 

 Roman Empire, both east and west. The Byzantine was 

 derived from it in the east, and the Gothic in the west. In 

 Ireland the ancient entablature or Egyptian style of architecture 

 survived till the early part of the eleventh century. The 

 Romanesque was derived from the Continent — most probably 

 from France — and came direct to Ireland, and was in no way 

 influenced by England prior to its introduction here. If we 

 attempt to solve the question that arises, how did Egyptian 

 architecture reach Ireland, we will find that not alone the archi- 

 tecture, but the personal ornaments of the people of both 

 countries were similar. A short time ago an article appeared in 

 the journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries giving illustra- 

 tions of fancy glass beads from Egypt, and comparing them with 

 those found in Ireland, showing they were both of a similar 

 class — in fact identical. Metallic ornaments are similar in shape 

 and design in both countries, and at the present moment I have 

 specimens of bracelets and other ornaments brought from Central 

 Africa, of the same shape and design as the ancient Irish ones 

 exhibited in our museums. Independently of a remote connec- 

 tion in Pagan times, there was an intercourse in the 6arly part 

 of the sixth century, and probably during the latter part of the 

 fifth, with the Christian monks of Egypt. It is from that period 

 we date churches such as Gallerus and Killelton. The former 

 is pyramidal in shape, such as we should expect from a people 

 conversant with the land of the pyramids. In the third century 

 monasticism originated in Egypt, and spread from it to Italy, 

 and thence to the islands of the Mediterranean : thence to 



