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It is the sixth century. Rome has been brought to ruin after several generations marked by plague, hunger and violence, including a devastating war of reconquest launched by what remains of its namesake empire, based in Constantinople. Basil, a monk, is plucked from his abbey to serve as bishop – today’s pope. Seeing every biblical prophecy coming true, he strives to prepare his flock for the Last Judgment.
Thecla and her husband, Crispus, are from dying noble families. They aren’t thinking about the Apocalypse when they resettle in Rome – they aim to rebuild. Still mourning the loss of their only child, they establish a community atop one of the seven hills, where Crispus works to repair the aqueduct while Thecla becomes involved with the cult of Imri, a half-forgotten martyr with a shocking story.
Inspired by a fiery sermon Basil delivers in the abandoned Forum, Thecla grows Imri’s shrine into a charity house for widows. When Crispus petitions the emperor to build a basilica for Imri, and Thecla refuses to give up her relics, their visions of Rome collide.
Meanwhile, the Lombard princess Radegund converts to Christianity, believing she is destined to lead her people to God. A pagan warlord kills her father, takes her as his wife, and leads an invasion of Italy. When he lays siege to Rome, Radegund looks to Basil as an ally – and Thecla looks to Imri as the city’s savior.
A story of resilience and rebirth, Sacred City speaks to our own stormy times.
