Plot

From the legendary times of Romulus and Remus to the present day, the compelling story of the eternal city's twenty-five centuries of civilization traces the rise of Christianity over paganism through studies of Vatican art treasures.

Historical background on Ancient Roman life and society are presented against the photographic background of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Appian Way and other sites. A description of the rise of Christianity is presented, as illustrated in art and architecture created from the early centuries of the church through the Renaissance. Treasures of the Vatican are shown, from the architectural genius of Bernini to the paintings of Giotto, Caravaggio and Raphael and sculpture of Michelangelo. Michelangelo's ceiling for the Sistine Chapel is described in detail, as are various treasures contained in the Vatican library and museums. A description of the Palatine and Swiss Guards accompanies scenes of the guards on duty in the Vatican, followed by scenes of celebrations during the twenty-fourth Holy Year, in 1950, during which throngs gathered at St. Peter's Basilica to attend Mass and see Pope Pius XII. His Holiness addresses the audience by reading a short passage and delivering a homily in English.—Anonymous

A history of the city of Rome, Italy, from antiquity to the present, stressing its role in the development of Christianity, visually told through its art and architecture, and concluding with a for-the-film address in English by Pope Pius XII.—Rich Wannen