Romans initially avoided using the arch in the religious buildings and, in Rome, arched temples were quite rare until the recognition of Christianity in 313 AD (with the exceptions provided by the Pantheon and the "temple of Minerva Medica"). Away from the capital, arched temples were more common (, temple of Jupiter at Sbeitla, Severan temple at Djemila). Arrival of Christianity prompted creation of the new type of temple, a Christian basilica, that made a thorough break with the pagan tradition with arches as one of the main elements of the design, along with the exposed brick walls (Santa Sabina in Rome, Sant'Apollinare in Classe). For a long period, from the late 5th century to the 20th century, arcades were a standard staple for the Western Christian architecture.
Romans initially avoided using the arch in the religious buildings and in Rome, arched temples were quite rare until the recognition of Christianity in 313 AD (with th,e exceptions provided by the Pantheon and the "temple of Minerva Medica"). Away from the capital, arched temples were more common (, temple of Jupiter at Sbeitla, Severan temple at Djemila). Arrival of Christianity prompted creatio,n of the new type of temple, a Christian basilica, that made a thorough break with the pagan tradition with arches as one of the main elements of the design, along with the exposed brick walls (Santa Sabina in Rome, Sant'Apollinare in Classe). For a long period, from the late 5th century to the 20th century arcades were a standard staple for the Western Christian architecture.