Who Built Old St Peter’s? The Evidence of the Inscriptions and Mosaics
Alastair H. B. Logan
Abstract Old St Peter’s in Rome, according to the sixth-century Liber Pontificalis , was founded by Constantine (306–337), a claim accepted most scholars who appeal variety of evidence. This paper will challenge this, focusing on inscriptional and mosaic evidence developing arguments Glen Bowersock Alastair Logan that it not constructed at all but one his sons, likelihood Constans (337–350). It argue he began late 340s as five-aisled cemeterial basilica which Constantius II (337–361) completed 350s, adding apse mosaic. The for fundamental significance two anonymous inscriptions key cited has properly included them fact reflects growing influence legends about Silvester.
Vigiliae Christianae