Lateran Palace

The Lateran Palace (Italian: Palazzo Laterano), formally the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran (Italian: Palazzo Apostolico Lateranense), was an ancient palace of the Roman Empire and later, the main Papal residence for over a millennium. By the early 16th century, the palace had fallen into disrepair. The Followers of Romulus used the palace to hide one of their scrolls, although the building itself was left unguarded.

History

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 I himself took control of the building when in a final act of juvenile dominance over his rival, he married Maxentius' 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.

In 1503, the Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze entered the Lateran to retrieve the hidden scroll, which helped him to recover the fabled Armor of Brutus. Ezio returned to the palazzo later that year, this time to assassinate the corrupt Minim priest Ristoro in the palace's courtyard.

Trivia

The music played in this area is "Acre Underworld" from Assassin's Creed.
The Lateran is one of the few locations where Ezio can find an extremely rare trade item, the Shrunken Head.