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In the outskirts of the archaeological excavations of Ostia Antica, the basilica of Saints Peter, Paul, and John the Baptist has emerged. After thirty years of study, the site was unveiled on September 23rd during the European Heritage Days by Norbert Zimmermann, the deputy director of the international archaeological campaign. Zimmermann stated, “An unprecedented opportunity, as what has come to light will soon be buried again to preserve its integrity.”
This is the place where Saint Augustine, his mother Monica, his son Adeodatus, and friends Evodius and Alipius prayed. Buried for centuries beneath agricultural land, the Christian basilica of Ostia, one of the earliest worship buildings of its kind, was located on the outskirts of the ancient settlement of the Roman port city in the V region of the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park.
Five Weeks of Excavation
The basilica was partially brought to light during the last five weeks of excavation conducted under the hot August sun by an international team of thirty archaeologists led by Norbert Zimmermann, the deputy director of the German Archaeological Institute in Rome.
The traces of the Christian temple were lost beneath layers of sand and soil. Since the 1990s, archaeologist Michael Heinzelmann from the University of Cologne initiated a systematic study of unexcavated areas in collaboration with, among others, the Department of Christian Archaeology at the University of Bonn, led by Professor Sabine Feist, and the Sapienza University of Rome.
Photographs, Geophysical and Stratigraphic Studies
Numerous aerial photographs from the 20th century, stratigraphic surveys, geophysical studies, and soil surveys, processed and reconstructed using computers, clarified any doubts about the exact location of the ancient Christian basilica of Ostia.
Between 1998 and 2001, four excavation campaigns focused on regions II, IV, and V. During 1998 and 1999, particular emphasis was placed on analyzing the early Christian complex through nine excavations, reconstructing the architectural features and the overall development of the church over time—a three-aisled basilica with a baptistery.
Christian Presence in Ancient Ostia
The temple was dedicated to the apostles Peter, Paul, and John to emphasize Christian unity in Ostia and celebrate saints associated with the city of Rome. The discovery fills a gap noted by those lamenting the scarcity of Christian materials and monuments from Ostia to the present day.
Zimmermann explains, “Until now, apart from the basilica of the Decumanus, there was practically no trace of Christian presence in the city of Ostia.” Rediscovering the cathedral of Ostia is exciting, offering a historical opportunity to witness its apse area. Zimmermann notes, “We are at the conclusion of this first phase of the archaeological campaign that will unfold over five years.”
The Apse and the Presbytery
The excavations of the building, showcased to the public during the European Heritage Days and soon to be buried again for better preservation, have a primarily scientific nature and, at least for now, are not intended for museum display.
They reveal the apse and presbytery area of a more complex basilical complex still underground. The presence of two columns supporting the apse makes it unique among Constantinian architectures of this type in Rome. Built in the early fourth century, the church is impressive, measuring eighty meters in length, including the atrium.
The Basilica Commissioned by Constantine
Dating, dimensions, and building volumes confirm the identification of the structure as the episcopal church built by Constantine between 325 and 335, mentioned in the Liber Pontificalis. Zimmermann continues, “From written sources, we know that, in addition to the Lateran, St. Peter’s, and a series of episcopal basilicas in Albano, Capua Vetere, and Naples, the emperor also donated a basilica to the bishop of Ostia.
We also know that it was near the Porta Laurentina, right where we conducted the excavation. Precisely, we do not know why Constantine wanted a basilica in Ostia, but according to tradition, this is where Peter arrived in Rome and set foot on Italian soil. Additionally, the bishop of Ostia has always held a prestigious role, being the dean of the College of Cardinals and presiding over the Pope’s ordination.”
An Area Yet to be Explored
What has emerged from the recent excavations is the Constantinian foundation, built on pre-existing agricultural land, as evidenced by plow marks visible on the artifacts. A necropolis surrounded the church, with numerous burial remains from the time, subject to systematic plundering and despoliation throughout history, mirroring the fate of the entire sacred building.
“The excavation has revealed the level of the building beneath the flooring. We found only pieces of a destroyed sarcophagus and traces of burials. However,” notes the deputy director of the German Archaeological Institute in Rome, “from tests conducted twenty years ago, we know that there are sarcophagi in situ between the atrium and the entrance to the Basilica, and we are very curious to see what we will find in the coming years.”
The Schola Cantorum
During the sixth century, due to the inability to maintain the entire ecclesiastical structure, the building was gradually abandoned from west to east. In the early seventh century, the restoration of the apse took place, followed by the subsequent abandonment of the church and surrounding dwellings. The systematic and final despoliation can be attributed to the Carolingian era.
The recent excavation, led by the director of the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, Alessandro D’Alessio, and funded by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), has also revealed the existence of a solea or schola cantorum dating back to the fifth-sixth century. Excavations will resume in the summer of 2024, and surprises may still be in store, perhaps related to the three months when the author of the “Confessions” stayed in Ostia with his mother, Saint Monica, who fell ill and died there.
