Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua

The building that later became the Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua was likely constructed in the 1st century AD under Emperor Domitian as part of the restoration of the Tiberius Palace, probably serving as a new reception hall. In the 5th century, it was converted into a Christian church, adopting the name Maria Antiqua from 640 onwards. Until the 9th century, it functioned as a diaconia church for grain distribution. In the 9th century, the church gradually fell into disrepair and was covered by debris from the collapsing imperial palace above.