Library of Congress Control Number: 2009902959 Bibliographical references and index. Where were the 3,000 people baptized on the day of Pentecost when the church first began? Where is the oldest known baptismal basin dating from the first century AD? What is the large oval hole in the floor of St. Peters basilica beneath the baptismal font? Why are the early baptismal basins so large? The original practice and meaning of baptism as the central experience of personal conversion to Jesus Christ, has become a lost mystery to millions of people in the world. From the early centuries, changes in baptismal practice have occurred. This volume contains much new information and combines a look at baptism from two perspectives: the biblical teaching followed by the physical evidence of the places of baptism in the ancient and medieval world. Descriptions of baptismal basins are given for this period in Europe, specifically Mediterranean region.