The Rome of Pope Paschal I: Papal Power, Urban Renovation, Church Rebuilding and Relic Translation, 817-824
Caroline Goodson
Book synopsis: In the early ninth century, a critical time in Rome’s transformation from ancient capital to powerful bishopric new state capital, Pope Paschal I undertook building campaign communicate his authority and importance as an contemporary seat of power. Combining analysis chronicles documents, architecture, mosaics archaeology medieval Rome, Caroline J. Goodson examines Paschal’s urban project, revealing patterns popular saint veneration resplendent churches built using traditional architectural vocabularies. These transformations connect city pope past present, same league Byzantine Carolingian capitals their emperors. By examining relationships between material world political power this innovative study reveals Rome's sacred landscape constructing papal rule influence both beyond.