The most ancient mention of Bibiana/Viviana’s cult dates back to the late 5th century CE. It occurs in The Book of the Popes (Liber pontificalis), where we read that Pope Simplicius (468–483 CE) “dedicated […] another basilica to the blessed martyr Bibiana within the city of Rome, near the Licinian palace, where her body rests” (LP, vol. I, 249). The author refers to the basilica, which still exists today, situated on the Esquiline Hill in Rome, in the area once occupied by the Horti Liciniani, the gardens of the gens Licinia. There is no evidence of the historical existence of Bibia…