Chapter Il ruolo del commercio internazionale fra Oriente ed Occidente nel processo di cristianizzazione. Il caso dei Petici e dell’Abruzzo. Alcuni appunti

Abstract

This article explores the intertwined dynamics of trade, religion, and geography through the lens of the Petici family, prominent merchants engaged in long-distance trans- Mediterranean commerce during the Roman Empire. While existing studies have covered the Petici family’s role in trade, this contribution seeks to contextualize their commercial activities within the cultural dynamics that facilitated the dissemination of new religious ideas, particularly Christianity. Examining archaeological findings and epigraphic evidence, the article explores the early Christianization of Abruzzo, emphasizing the Petici family’s association with this process. In conclusion, this article portrays Abruzzo not as an isolated region but as an integral part of the Roman economic, administrative, and cultural landscape. The Petici family emerges as a key player in bridging the Western and Eastern Mediterranean through trade, potentially influencing the spread of Christianity in the region.