Constantine.27s_basilica Saint_Peter's_tomb

when church once more @ peace under constantine great, christians able @ last build edifices suitable celebration of mass. resting places of relics of apostles naturally among first selected sites of great basilicas. emperor supplied funds these buildings.

between 320 , 327, constantine built five-aisled basilica atop christian necropolis purported peter s resting place. of vatican hill leveled provide firm foundation first st. peter s basilica. altar of basilica planned located directly on tomb. matter complicated upper chamber or memoria above vault. upper chamber had become endeared romans during ages of persecution, , unwilling should destroyed. memoria turned chapel of confession. above main floor of basilica, raised altar directly on chapel of confession.

the book of popes details adornments constantine apparently added saint peter s tomb @ time. sarcophagus said have been enclosed on sides bronze, measuring 5 feet in each dimension. on top of laid gold cross weighing 150 pounds , featuring inscription, translates latin constantine augustus , helena augusta house shining royal splendor court surrounds. however, treasures may have been present @ tomb presumed have been taken saracens during sack of church in 846.

the skull of saint peter claimed reside in basilica of st. john lateran since @ least ninth century, alongside skull of saint paul.