Christianization of Grumentum areaby Gioia Bertelli
The beginning of Christianity in Grumentum is tied to the figure of the martyr Laverio; about him we have a passio in latin written by Roberto da Romana, deacon of Saponara (now Grumento Nova) in 1162, from which can infer that Laverio was beheaded in the early fourth century, before emperor Constantine converting himself to Christianity, in an area located at the confluence between Agri river and Sciaura stream, and he was buried there, probably in the necropolis of Roman age that was placed not so far from the urban setting. The cult for Laverio implied that over the grave of the martyr was built a church, found during recent archaeological researches, which was divided in three aisles, with apse, then replaced in tenth century by a smaller one, built by Luke of Demenna (cfr. the schedule about the sacred context of St. Laverio). The devotion to the martyr of Grumentum made that his body relics were transferred to other near areas, as stated in the passio by Roberto da Romana (Acerenza, Tito, Satriano, but also Tricarico, Teggiano, in Valley of Diano, Laurignano (in Calabrian territory) that celebrate him the 17th of November.
Remains of a church dedicated to St. Marie Assunta are still visible near the Roman amphitheatre; this area has not been investigated yet, but probably the building, that should have incorporated that one of early Christian age, was still in use between thirteenth and fourteenth century, period to which would seem possible assign a fragment of fresco with the image of a saint found in the central apse.
Text anc image copyright testo e immagini by Gioia Bertelli. |