Romans were extremely interested in the genealogy of their houses. Changes of ownership were remembered, documented, and occasionally misrepresented. Certain houses were treated with something akin to a heritage mentality, and on occasion were even musealised. The lecture focuses on a late first-century house in Regio III whose multiple identities led, through a combination of erudition and confusion, to the dedication of a prominent early Christian church at the end of the fourth century.

Robert Coates-Stephens studied archaeology at University College London (1988-95) and is Cary Research Fellow at the BSR, where from 2002-2023 he directed undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the archaeology and topography of Rome. His research centres on the fate of ancient art and architecture in the post-antique period. He has published widely on the archaeology and topography of Rome and is currently completing a book, Statues after the end of sculpture. The statue world of early medieval Rome.

This lecture is part of the City of Rome programme, and it is held in English. It can be accessed both in person and online. To access online, you need to register through the link above.