Rome

This study explores the urban, architectural, logistical, and religious transformations of Rome from the 3rd to the 7th century AD, challenging outdated narratives of decline and emphasizing continuity and adaptation. The paper highlights how Rome remained a vibrant city despite political shifts, such as the relocation of the imperial capital and the gradual Christianization of society. Major urban changes included the construction of the Aurelian Walls, reorganization of the food supply system (Annona), and the development of monumental Christian basilicas. The relationship between the city and the Tiber River, the adaptation of imperial fora, and the evolution of civic rituals like the adventus reflect a complex layering of traditions and innovations. The study also discusses the evolving role of the pomerium and intramural burials as indicators of shifting cultural paradigms. Through archaeological, epigraphic, and topographic analysis, the work argues for a nuanced understanding of Rome’s late antique landscape as a dynamic blend of imperial legacy and Christian transformation. Finally, the study calls for further interdisciplinary research and improved tools, such as updated archaeological mapping and digital reconstructions, to enhance our understanding of Rome’s urban evolution in Late Antiquity.