Christian worship in rural Hispania. Re-evaluating archaeological evidence on oratories, mausolea and churches in Late Antique Villas

The aim of this chapter is to thoroughly examine the archaeological evidence pertaining to churches and villas in the Iberian Peninsula. A detailed and critical analysis of villa sites often shows that these churches were typically constructed after the primary occupation phase of the villas, which concluded during the 5th century. This study seeks to highlight the variety of worship practices that may have existed, ranging from public and official forms to private expressions of personal piety. Particular attention is paid to practices related to the cult of the dead and beliefs about the afterlife.