Early Christian Graffiti in the Basilica of Saint Felix, Cimitile

This thesis analyses the fourth-century hand-written wall inscriptions found in the Basilica of Saint Felix in Cimitile/Nola, and uses them to explore the “non-Christian” context of Campania in its relationship to the larger early Christian community in the Mediterranean. Using the graffiti, other inscriptions, and archaeological material, I examine the shrine’s status as a pilgrimage site and a center of monasticism, and the agency, identity and literacy of those who lived and visited the site. I introduce the history, context, and layout of the Basilica Vetus in Cimitile. The following chapter records the graffiti and explains their meaning, state of preservation, and context within the physical layout.