City of Saints: Rebuilding Rome in the Early Middle Ages by Maya Maskarinec
Nicola Camerlenghi
Reviewed by: City of Saints: Rebuilding Rome in the Early Middle Ages by Maya Maskarinec Nicola Camerlenghi Philadelphia: University Pennsylvania Press, 2018 Pp. 290. $55.00. Saints focuses on between sixth and ninth centuries, a time when city was recast from former imperial capital into spiritual epicenter western Christendom. Among catalysts this transformation are numerous saintly relics imported around Mediterranean to satisfy needs Rome's citizens pilgrims aggrandize city's reputation as "storehouse saints." A central claim book is that saints translated were pivotal element newfound status Christian capital. Moreover, study particular category "foreign" permits author explore agency those responsible for introducing them Rome, namely "Byzantine administrators, refugees, monks, pilgrims, others . across Europe" (3). These agents elevate focus beyond papacy, which until recently has been given lion's share attention scholars Rome. The decision conventional pope-centered account metamorphosis light relations with Europe constitutes study's most significant contribution. divided eight chapters, an introduction, epilogue six short appendices. Chapter One begins imaginary walk through year 752, serves familiarize readers at time. This engrossing chapter functions also delightful stand-alone piece. next four chapters case studies how neighborhoods transformed relics. Specifically, Two explores Byzantine efforts inflect Roman Forum importance Constantinople—the discussion Church Sts. Sergius Bacchus particularly illuminating. Three treats installation St. Caesarius (originally Terracina) traditional home Caesars—the Palatine Hill. Four examines portion Tiber's left bank welcomed eastern saints, just it had once served dock grains goods. Five brings reader elite neighborhood—the Aventine—where cosmopolitan patrons invited such non-Roman Boniface Serapia take up residence. An obligatory role papacy played acquiring collections subject Six. To end, commissions Peter's, Lateran, Santa Maria Antiqua. takes turn Chapters Seven Eight, directed toward Carolingian authors, who eager not only acquire, but officialize "Roman" saints. drive author's contention appropriation reception magnified universalized sanctity—whatever actual geographic origins saintliness. Of appendices follow epilogue, engaging useful first, lists abroad venerated 500 800. [End Page 146] these "traveling" could have taken place willingness move superseded restrictions during late antiquity. After laws customs changed, came be crisscrossed phenomenon began, like book, century, power brokers operated under influence. In three centuries followed, practice importing continued, Romans gradually turned Franks political affirmation, all while gaining increasing amounts independence. demonstrates imported, transplanted venerated—but martyred—in "critical remarkable metamorphosis." course, determining degree they impacted conditions comparison "native" saints—those actually died Rome—is difficult matter...
Journal of Early Christian Studies