Classica et Christiana, 16/1, 2021 /67-82
“Trichora sub altaria”: l’altare tricoro della basilica nova di Cimitile. Problemi esegetici ed evidenze lessicali nella ricostruzione dell’abside paoliniana [“Trichora sub altaria”: the tricor altar in the basilica nova in Cimitile. Exegetical problems and lexical evidence in the reconstruction of the paolinian apsis]
Maria Carolina CAMPONE
ABSTRACT
“Trichora sub altaria”: the tricor altar in the basilica nova in Cimitile. Exegetical problems and lexical evidence in the reconstruction of the paolinian apsis. The correct translation of a passage by Paulinus of Nola (Ep. 32, 10) sheds light on the characteristics of the basilica nova which he had in Cimitile (Naples) and, more generally, on early Christian architecture. The comparative analysis of written sources and archaeological evidence – a unicum of extraordinary importance for the basilica complex founded by the saint – constitutes an essential opportunity to get to know the early Christian art and Paulinus’ thought, provided, however, not to make mistakes the translation, which do not allow a correct understanding of the text.
KEYWORDS
trichora apse, Paulinus of Nola, early Christian architecture