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Churches of Rome: Christianization of the Pantheon and other Pagan Temples with Cecilia Martini

Churches of Rome: Christianization of the Pantheon and other Pagan Temples with Cecilia Martini


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

 After the fall of the Roman Western Empire, the process of Christianisation of Rome become more and more evident. The old venerable pagan temples of the city, which had been already abandoned for around 200 years, start to be transformed into Christian Churches.

Our conversation's first venue to explore is the most famous of all: The Pantheon. This magnificent temple of the II century AD, dedicated originally to all the gods, is the most well preserved ancient building of the world thanks to this transformation. We will explore its secrets and we discover how many other pagan temples survived because of this peculiar “recycling”; sometimes keeping their architectonical integrity such as the Temple of Portunus and the so-called “Temple of Vesta”, sometimes getting a new skin, as in the case of the church of SS Cosma and Damian and of the temple of Antonino and Faustina in the Forum.

Led by an expert Art Historian and a native Roman, Cecilia Martini, we will review the narrative timeline of this very important passage between the pagan and the Christian world and the phenomenon of ancient buildings recycling that had such an important influence on the history of Rome of on the history of architecture. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of Rome and of one of its most peculiar historical transformations.

This seminar has been designed as part of an extended series, each spotlighting a unique church in Rome. For additional details, please click here.

Cecilia is an art historian and a native Roman with a Master's degree in Medieval and Renaissance art from the Sapienza University of Rome. Although her specialty is painting and decorative arts, she has a broad knowledge of the history of Rome and a personal passion for ancient history, which she shares on many antiquity-themed itineraries. Cecilia has worked actively in the past as a lecturer, teacher, and curator of exhibitions. She had been a staff member of the didactive service of the Vatican Museums, the Galleria Doria Pamphili and the Galleria Colonna where she still frequently consults. As a licensed guide for Rome and Florence and with a specialized teaching degree, she has more than 20 years of experience in leading highly-qualified tours.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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(4)
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g
g.h. (Thorold, CA)
A super in-depth look

Such an excellent presenter. Wow!

D
Donald De Santis (Bothell, US)
Great Overview of Ancient Churches

The topic was pagan temples that were converted to Christian churches. I have been to Rome a number of times and had some knowledge of these ancient buildings but I felt that I learned a lot.

S
S.M. (Brooklyn, US)
Churches of Rome: Christianization of the Pantheon and Other Temples

Wow. Cecilia Martini really goes above and beyond with this seminar. The part about the Pantheon was amazing and the other temples that were turned into Churches - like the Temple of Hercules - was just fantastic. I highly recommend.

M
Mark Sammons (Tucson, US)
Rich Content

Looking through an unusual lens at four sample temples that were converted to churches brings into focus unfamiliar and extraordinary details. The background on the pace of Christianization of Rome, and the changing ownership of the temples is very valuable in understanding much more than just the familiar textbook dates and events, and makes the temples-cum-churches all the more interesting. A really compelling lecture.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
100%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
g
g.h. (Thorold, CA)
A super in-depth look

Such an excellent presenter. Wow!

D
Donald De Santis (Bothell, US)
Great Overview of Ancient Churches

The topic was pagan temples that were converted to Christian churches. I have been to Rome a number of times and had some knowledge of these ancient buildings but I felt that I learned a lot.

S
S.M. (Brooklyn, US)
Churches of Rome: Christianization of the Pantheon and Other Temples

Wow. Cecilia Martini really goes above and beyond with this seminar. The part about the Pantheon was amazing and the other temples that were turned into Churches - like the Temple of Hercules - was just fantastic. I highly recommend.

M
Mark Sammons (Tucson, US)
Rich Content

Looking through an unusual lens at four sample temples that were converted to churches brings into focus unfamiliar and extraordinary details. The background on the pace of Christianization of Rome, and the changing ownership of the temples is very valuable in understanding much more than just the familiar textbook dates and events, and makes the temples-cum-churches all the more interesting. A really compelling lecture.