THE CONVERSION TO CHRISTIANITY 

OF THE ROMAN EMPEROR CONSTANTINE

written by Sergio Caggìa with Paul Gwynne for © Nerone the Insider's Guide to Rome

 

In October 312 A.D. when the troops of rival emperor Maxentius had been routed at the battle of the Lilvian Bridge (on the via Flaminia), Constantine started the construction of the first Christian Cathedral in Rome: St John in Lateran (constructed in only five years time). The choice of this place was probably determined by political motives: the cathedral was built over the barracks of the defeated army. The name Lateran originates from the time of Nero (NERONE in Italian). The area on which the Cathedral stands took its name from the house of the Laterani family. A member of the family, Plautius, was involved in the unsuccessful plot against Nero and was subsequently executed by the vengeful emperor. The Laterani properties then passed to the State. This Basilica and its adjoining papal palace was used by the Popes until invading barbarian hordes broke the acqueducts depriving the whole area of water. The people moved to Trastevere and the Vatican where the preexisting Roman constructions were used to build new houses (St. John's Basilica remained virtually in the countryside, surrounded by fields, until the last century).    There is an interesting fresco depicting the conversion of Constantine in the chapel of Saint Silvester in the church of the Quattro Coronati on the Celian hill. The entrance can be found in the second courtyard (on the right-hand side. The church is run by aclosed order of nuns- but don't be discouraged! By ringing the bell at the entrance a nun will give you the key to the chapel. Unlock the door and return the key immediately to the nun before enjoiming the beauty of the chapel's interior. The frescoes tell the story of the conversion of Constantine. The story is as follows. The emperor, ill with the plague, believes thta he can only be cured if he bathes in the blood of Christian children. Upset, naturally by this idea the Christian mothers importune the emperor to find a new cure. The emperor has a vision in a dream of Saints Peter and Paul who promise an immediate recovery upon his conversion to Christianity. Constantine sends messengers to Pope Silvester, who was in hiding to avoid the persecutions, to ask him to perform a baptism. The Pope baptised Constantine, who was cured and in thanks began the construction of the Basilica of St John in Lateran.    You should then continue your visit by seeing the church and the adjacent cloister- perhaps one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in Rome. Unfortunately to enter the cloister you again have to ring the bell at the door on the left-hand side of the nave.