The Lateran Palace, also known as the Palazzo Laterano, was the official residence of the Popes from the 4th century until 1361. It used to be the home of the Laterani, a family of administartors for the Roman Empire. The papacy eventually moved out of the palace after two fires in 1307 and 1361, and the popes resided in the Vatican City afterwards.
History[]
The Lateran during the 16th century
Originally a palace during the Roman Empire, the Lateran was the home of the Laterani family who served as administrators for many Roman emperors. Eventually Constantine the Great himself took control of the building when in a final act of juvenile dominance over his rival, he married Maxentius's sister, Fausta, who possessed the deed at the time. In the 4th century, the Lateran became the principal Papal residence, but lost favor after two fires in 1307 and 1361.