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  • 15 - The Legendary of Saint Peter's basilica

  • Edited by Rosamond McKitterick, University of Cambridge, John Osborne, Carleton University, Ottawa, Carol M. Richardson, University of Edinburgh, Joanna Story, University of Leicester
  • Book:
    Old Saint Peter's, Rome
    Published online:
    18 December 2013
    Print publication:
    07 November 2013, pp 287-305

  • Summary

    A thoroughly revisionist account of the historical origins of the basilica was published by Glen Bowersock, who proposed that the foundation and construction of the basilica should be attributed not to Constantine, but probably to Constans. This chapter takes the doubts they have raised as an opportunity to reconsider both the chronology of the fourth-century basilica, and also the evidence for possible changes in its design during construction. An inscription, referring unambiguously to Constantine as the founder of Saint Peter's, was located on the triumphal arch of the basilica and was executed in letters of gold, forming part of a mosaic scene. Whatever the precise chronology of the preceding stages of development, the remodelling or rebuilding of the apse in its definitive form seems to have followed on only after the accession in 337 of Constans, whose probable stamp occurred on bricks used in its construction.