Bible Geography · Italy · c. 753 BC – Present
Rome
Description
Rome was the capital of the greatest empire of the ancient world, at its peak controlling territory stretching from Britain to Mesopotamia. The Pax Romana it enforced and the roads it built created the infrastructure that enabled the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the known world.
Significance
Rome is the destination of Paul's epistle that contains his most systematic presentation of the gospel. Paul himself was eventually brought to Rome as a prisoner and traditionally martyred there. Peter is also traditionally associated with Rome, and the city became the seat of the Western church.
Key Events
Caesar Augustus's census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem (Luke 2); Claudius's expulsion of Jews from Rome (Acts 18:2); Paul's appeal to Caesar and journey to Rome (Acts 25–28); Paul's two-year house arrest in Rome; Paul's martyrdom under Nero.
Modern Context
Rome remains the capital of Italy and one of the world's most visited cities. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Catacombs are major Christian heritage sites. Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church, is located within Rome.