The Archaeology of Early Christianity: A History by W. H. C. Frend
Whilst the problems of the stylistic origins of church architecture are not ignored, the emphasis of this book is on archaeological research as a means of tracing the mission of the Church and the history of ideas of non-orthodox traditions. It follows the history of the discovery of articles which have changed Christian thought, from Empress Helena's discovery of the True Cross to finds made in recent years.