This new book in the popular Past and Present series explores historic sites in Christian Rome. Important monuments and districts are illustrated as they appear today, while overlays indicate how these sites probably looked when first built, making this book an excellent resources for travelers, students, and anyone interested in the fascinating history of this region. The volume begins with a comprehensive tour of the Roman subterranean city known as the catacombs, and includes several labyrinthine burial grounds and underground places of worship. The second portion of the book focuses on churches and basilicas, and includes a detailed look at the architecture and art objects of Saint Peter's, among others. A glossary provides definitions of terms commonly encountered when touring ancient Roman buildings

Philippe Pergola is rector of the Papal Institute of Christian Archaeology