Early Christian Rome
Exploring the Intersection of the Ancient World & Early Christianity
Early Christian Rome
Exploring the Intersection of the Ancient World & Early Christianity
Our Mission
Welcome to a resource for those wanting to create customized itineraries to Rome, particularly those that focus on the intersection of ancient Rome and early Christianity. More and more pastoral leaders and educators have grown to appreciate Rome as a powerful venue for bringing to life the people, places, and events of earliest Christianity.
Why Rome
Rome offers more early Christian sites and artifacts than any place in the world. The city features early house churches, basilicas, catacombs, frescoes, mosaics, and decorated sarcophagi - many from the earliest centuries of the church. Visitors gain an appreciation for the context of the first generation of Christians as these venues coexist with the great monuments of ancient Rome. What was it about Christianity that captured the religious imagination of Rome? How did Christianity distinguish itself from other mystery religions? How did Christianity influence the Roman Empire and how did the Empire shape Christian beliefs, practices, and institutions? It is the place where St Paul's vision of a universal (non-sectarian) monotheism found both its antithesis and fertile ground for evangelization. It is the place where the evangelists could compare and contrast the Pax Romana with the Pax Christi. Rome continues to challenge contemporary Christians to ponder their mission in a world not that dissimilar from ancient as well as Renaissance Rome.
Future Links to various Sites in Rome
Vatican Scavi
Basilica of San Clemente
Vatican Scavi
By special request, visits are possible to excavations under St. Peter's Basilica of a Roman cemetery that existed adjacent to an arena where St. Peter and early Christians were martyred after the fire of Rome in 64 CE. The site is amazing and helps show Constantine's interest in building the first basilica there in the 4th century.
Roman Forum
Basilica of San Clemente
Vatican Scavi
A walking tour of the Roman Forum allows visitors to imagine life in ancient Rome and ponder the context of the rise of Christianity. There are several medieval Christian sites built inside of ancient Roman buildings. It is the perfect place to compare and contrast Christian beliefs and practices with Roman ones - underscoring some commonalities and some differences.
Basilica of San Clemente
Basilica of San Clemente
Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente is a stone's throw away from the Forum and Colosseum. It was built on top of 1st century Roman buildings and a Mithraeum. Later, a medieval church was built on top of the earlier structure. In one place, the entire history of Roman Christianity can be visited. Great place to compare and contrast Mithraism and Christianity and explore Christian art and symbolism.
Pio-Christian Museum
St. Paul Outside the Walls
Basilica of San Clemente
The Pio-Christian section of the Vatican Museum houses one of the greatest collections of early Christian art in the world. Elaborately decorated marble sarcophagi depict biblical scenes. It illustrates the stories and images that captured the imagination of 3rd, 4th, and 5th century Christians during the transition from classical Roman religion to Christianity.
Catacombs
St. Paul Outside the Walls
St. Paul Outside the Walls
The Catacombs have always been a draw for visitors to Rome. They showcase the population of Roman Christianity over several centuries. Frescos underscore primitive Christian imagery.
St. Paul Outside the Walls
St. Paul Outside the Walls
St. Paul Outside the Walls
This monumental basilica was built over St. Paul's tomb. In the 1800s, there was a massive fire, requiring a rebuild of the structure. It was reconstructed according to the original plans of the 4th century, resulting in one of the most pristine examples of monumental Roman structures in the city.
Future Links Will be posted here for Additional Sites, Books
Books on Early Christian Rome
Forthcoming
Links for Sites
In addition to the sites above, more links/sites will be added.
Logistical Suggestions
Forthcoming
Farther Afield
Destinations to combine with a visit to Rome.
Restaurants
Forthcoming
Misc
More