Ancient Papal Palace Of Constantine Found

Remains of Constantine's Papal Palace has been found in Rome.

Woe betide anyone who plans road construction in Rome. In late July, news headlines brought the world up to speed regarding ongoing excavations of the previous center of the Catholic Papacy—the Patriarchio, a palace of Papal authority dating back to the late Roman Empire.

This is a fantastic find.

Discovered during roadwork in the plaza in front of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, a series of walls are believed to represent defense works that protected the Patriarchio in the heart of the Eternal City. Finished in 313 and known as the Lateran Palace, the site served as the seat of the papacy following Emperor Constantine’s Edict of Milan that promoted religious tolerance of Christianity across the Empire.

Imagine what they may have found in the excavations!

“This is an extraordinarily important find for the city of Rome and its mediaeval history, as no extensive archaeological excavations have ever been carried out in the square in modern times,” the Italian Ministry of Culture, Gennaro Sangiulliano said. “Every single stone speaks to us and tells its story: thanks to these important discoveries, archaeologists will be able to learn more about our past,” he added later.

Amazing. Truly amazing.