The Basilica di San Clemente is one of the most well preserved structures of the ancient Roman days. It consists of 3 levels of ancient structures, each one built on top of the other. The upper most level still stands as the acting Basilica of Saint Clement—a pope and martyr of the first century. This level was built in the 12th century and contains an immaculate mosaic above the altar—one of the most beautiful pieces of art in the entire city, in my opinion. It has remained wonderfully intact, with one exception: contained within the stomach of the mosaic of Christ were the relics of St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. James, the apostle. This was discovered, and then removed from the mosaic. Despite this minor adjustment, the mosaic is in near perfect condition as it shines reflected light throughout the majority of the basilica.
Below this level is a 4th century basilica, which still lies directly under the foundation of the 12th century basilica. This level was preserved quite well due to the conditions of the environment. One is able to walk around this level to get an image of what the earlier basilica looked like. Finally, underneath it all stands the 1st century basilica, which at one point was a house Church. At one point, it acted as a Mythraeum temple, where people of the Mythraism religion would come and worship. It was later converted into a house Church where persecuted Christians could worship and celebrate Mass in peace.
What is fascinating about this multi-layered Church is the fact that you can literally see the Coliseum from the Basilica di San Clemente. Thus, the early Christians could literally look out their window to remind themselves of the fate that lies before them if they were caught exercising their religious beliefs. The courage of the early martyrs, especially those who lived and worshipped so near to the fatal Colosseo, is tremendously inspiring. The earliest Christians were so convicted of their beliefs that they disregarded the completely brutal and inhumane events of the Coliseum in order that they might keep the faith and keep the Church alive. What more can we take from their example?
