“A Portent, beyond Statues Sweating Blood in the Forum …”

A devastating fire that destroyed the basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in July 1823 is reconstructed through historical and archival analysis, revealing its profound impact on Roman society. The study highlights how the event was perceived as a portent, triggering widespread despair and introspection. By examining contemporary responses, religious symbolism, and architectural significance, the research sheds light on the cultural and emotional repercussions of the disaster. This approach combines historical documentation with interpretive analysis to contextualize the fire's legacy within Rome's heritage.

(Ed.). (2024). “A Portent, beyond Statues Sweating Blood in the Forum …”. Rebuilding St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, 41–64. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009414548.004