Romeappears in Chapter 1

Rome is the cultural, religious and political center of Italy and in this book is considered to be both the center of civilization as well as the center of religious corruption. The residents of Italy have a great reverence for Rome and many make pilgrimages to the heavily populated city for cultural and religious reasons.

In the story of Abraham, the Jew who wishes to explore the tenets of Christianity, Rome is the place which is most likely to hold the answers to the man's questions. Gianotto, Abraham's friend and potential converter, is worried about Abraham's trip to Rome, fearing that the experience may taint his friend's tenuous position on the great religion. Abraham is adamant, however, and journeys to Rome to discover the basis of Gianotto's faith.

Abraham tells no one why he is in Rome and takes the opportunity to observe the goings...