Pagan and Christian Rome

Pagan and Christian Rome presents a richly documented exploration of Rome’s transformation from the religious and political center of the ancient pagan world to the heart of early Christianity. Drawing upon archaeological evidence, inscriptions, architectural remains, and historical sources, Rodolfo Lanciani examines how urban space, sacred architecture, and public life evolved between the imperial and late antique periods.

The work traces the gradual decline of traditional Roman cults and the parallel rise of Christian institutions, highlighting the coexistence, adaptation, and eventual supersession of pagan temples by churches and basilicas. Lanciani gives particular attention to catacombs, martyr shrines, and early Christian burial practices, illustrating how religious change reshaped both the physical and symbolic landscape of the city.

Beyond a narrative of religious transition, the book serves as an important contribution to classical archaeology and urban history, demonstrating how material culture reflects broader ideological and institutional transformations. By integrating topography, architecture, and religious history, Pagan and Christian Rome provides a comprehensive account of one of the most significant cultural shifts in Western civilization.