The City of Rome in Dante's Divine Comedy

Dante's portrayal of Rome in the Divine Comedy reflects his conviction that the Eternal City is both the temporal and spiritual seat of power, with Heaven depicted as a Roman landscape. This study examines how Dante incorporated Rome's physical cityscape, including its ancient and medieval monuments, into his poetic vision, drawing on his firsthand knowledge gained during a 1301 visit to Rome. Through an analysis of historical accounts, guidebooks, and artistic representations, the research reconstructs the medieval Roman city as Dante would have experienced it, highlighting its influence on his work. The study also explores Dante's critique of clerical corruption, particularly in relation to the Donation of Constantine, further underscoring Rome's significance in his literary and theological framework.

Kleinhenz, C. (2012). The City of Rome in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Essays in Medieval Studies, 28(1), 51–68. https://doi.org/10.1353/ems.2012.0003