Christian Cyclopedia

Bldg., or group of bldgs., on Monte Celio in Rome, named after the family of the Laterani, former owners of an ancient palace which stood on the site. Main bldgs.: 1. Basilica of St. John Lateran; originally called Ch. of the Savior; episc. seat of pope as bp. Rome; meeting place of many councils. 2. Baptistery; founding traced to Constantine* I. 3. Lateran Palace; occupied by popes in Middle Ages; the Scala Sancta (Lat. “holy steps”; Scala Pilati; 28 steps allegedly ascended by Christ to the praetorium of Pilate and climbed on his knees by M. Luther*) once led to one of its corridors, now leads to the old private papal chapel; largely destroyed by earthquake 896 and fires 1308 and 1360; museum est. on site 1843. See also Lateran Councils; Pseudo-Isidorian Decretals, 2.