City of Echoes: A New History of Rome, its Popes and its People

The pope has dominated Rome for 2,000 years, influencing lives and deciding the city's fate. Jessica Wärnberg's book tells the story of Rome through the lens of its popes, revealing how they have transformed lives and played a crucial role in deciding the city's fate.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Icon Books

Rome, a city steeped in history, exudes its echoes through its palaces and monuments, as well as in the remnants of the ancient imperial city. However, a different presence has dominated Rome for the past two thousand years: the pope. The actions and influence of these remarkable (and sometimes unremarkable) men have resonated throughout the ages, shaping the course of the city. In this captivating narrative, historian Jessica Wärnberg unveils the story of Rome through the lens of its popes, shedding light on how these individuals have profoundly impacted lives and played a pivotal role in determining the destiny of the city.

Emerging as an anonymous leader of a marginal cult in the most humble neighborhoods of the city, less than 300 years later, the pope sat enthroned in a gilt basilica, endorsed by the emperor himself. Over time, the Roman pontiff would surpass even the emperors, assuming the de facto rule of Rome and becoming the preeminent leader of the Christian world.

This captivating book skillfully weaves together a panoramic and personal narrative, exploring the spiritual and profane aspects of Rome and its people. It offers a fresh and often surprising perspective on a city that is both familiar and enigmatic, captivating readers with its rich tapestry of history and culture.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 163 x 244 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837731053