Aurea Roma. Dalla città pagana alla città cristiana

This study examines the multifaceted transition of Late Antique Rome from a pagan capital to the center of Christianity, analyzing the continuity and transformation of its political, religious, and artistic landscapes between the 3rd and 8th centuries AD. Rather than framing this evolution as a abrupt rupture, the text explores the complex dynamic of ideological reuse and reinterpretation across public and private spheres. Central to this analysis is the evolution of figurative language, as seen in imperial portraiture, urban domus, mystery cults, and early Christian basilicas. Pagan iconography—such as the Good Shepherd, Aion, and classical victory motifs—was systematically reconfigured to convey new theological meanings, culminating in the authoritative visual identity of Christ and Marian icons. By contextualizing nearly 400 artifacts within their original archaeological and historical settings, the volume illustrates how artistic traditions were adapted to establish the symbolic and devotional supremacy of Christian Rome.