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Origins of Vatican City: From Ancient Times to the Papal States
The origins of Vatican City date back to ancient Rome, long before it became the sovereign state we know today. Situated on Vatican Hill, the site held significant historical and religious importance even during the pre-Christian era. It was initially an uninhabited marshland used as a necropolis by the Romans, containing burial grounds and temples dedicated to pagan gods.
The transformative moment for Vatican Hill came with the martyrdom of St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first Bishop of Rome. According to tradition, St. Peter was crucified during Emperor Nero’s reign around 64 CE, and his burial site became a sacred place for early Christians. By the 2nd century, a small shrine was erected over his tomb, drawing pilgrims from across the Roman Empire. This site would later become the foundation for St. Peter’s Basilica.
https://worldhistoryjournal.com/2024/12/09/the-rich-history-of-vatican-city-and-its-landmarks/