In the West, where Roman rule was ended by the Germanic invasions of the fifth century, the church, strengthened by the guidance of such able leaders as Saint Augustine and Pope Gregory I, survived to become the main civilizing influence in Europe during the Middle Ages. Copt Copt, an Arabic word with Greek roots, identifies a native Christian of Egypt, as opposed to its Muslim or Greek Orthodox inhabitants. The term also refers to members of the Coptic Church. Coptic art was developed by the Christian community of Egypt, starting in the third century but especially between the fifth and twelfth centuries. As a style, Coptic art tends toward abstract, schematic, two-dimensional forms, with a vigorous naivete in the representation of figures.
Coptic sculpture exhibits a preference for flat, linear forms with intricate surface patterns.
Soft materials such as limestone, ivory, or wood were the common mediums used. The stark, hieratic image of Christ found in Coptic sculpture reflects the belief of Coptic Christians that Christ had only a divine nature. Islam Islam is customarily defined as the religion of those who follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. A Muslim is a person who makes this commitment. Judaism Judaism is the oldest existing religion in the Western world.