The Basilica of Saint John Lateran to 1600

The first inter-disciplinary study to examine the construction and development of the world's first cathedral from its origins to 1600.

The first inter-disciplinary study to examine the origins, construction and development of the world's first cathedral, founded by the Emperor Constantine. Brings together the work of leading specialists on the archaeology, architectural history, art, geophysics, history and liturgy of the building and its setting.The Archbasilica of St John Lateran is the world's earliest cathedral. A Constantinian foundation pre-dating St Peter's in the Vatican, it remains the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, to this day. This volume brings together scholars of topography, archaeology, architecture, art history, geophysical survey and liturgy to illuminate this profoundly important building. It takes the story of the site from the early imperial period, when it was occupied by elite housing, through its use as a barracks for the emperor's horse guards to Constantine's revolutionary project and its development over 1300 years. Richly illustrated throughout, this innovative volume includes both broad historical analysis and accessible explanations of the cutting-edge technological approaches to the site that allow us to visualise its original appearance.