Robert Langdon, #1
Angels & Demons
by Dan Brown
Contents
62
Overview
Vittoria discovers that Raphael’s burial in the Pantheon occurred too late for Galileo’s clue, proving Langdon’s interpretation was wrong and that the first murder site lies elsewhere. By reexamining “Santi’s earthly tomb” and “demon’s hole,” Langdon, Vittoria, and the docent identify the Chigi Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo as the true first altar of science. The revelation raises the urgency sharply, leaving only minutes for Olivetti’s forces and the protagonists to reach the correct church.
Summary
Langdon continues searching the Pantheon while an eager docent follows him with architectural commentary. Vittoria rushes to Langdon in alarm and demands to see Galileo’s Diagramma, then checks its publication date: 1639.
Vittoria explains that Raphael was not buried in the Pantheon until 1758 or 1759, long after Diagramma was written. This means the clue cannot refer to Raphael’s present tomb, and Langdon realizes they have brought the Swiss Guard to the wrong location.
Vittoria questions the docent about Raphael, also known as Santi. When the docent calls Raphael an architect as well as a painter, Langdon reinterprets the clue: “Santi’s earthly tomb” may mean a tomb designed by Raphael, not Raphael’s own burial place.
The clue’s “demon’s hole” leads the docent to recall the term buco diavolo, an old name for an undercroft or ossuary annex beneath a tomb. Asked whether Raphael designed any chapel or tomb with such a feature, the docent identifies the Chigi Chapel, a tomb for Agostino Chigi and his brother, patrons connected to the arts and sciences.
The docent adds that the chapel contains pyramids and was once called Capella della Terra, which Vittoria translates as “Chapel of the Earth.” Langdon and Vittoria realize this is the true first altar of science: Earth.
Vittoria calls Commander Olivetti and tells him the Pantheon is wrong, ordering him to move his men to Santa Maria del Popolo with only four minutes remaining. She and Langdon seize a taxi and race toward the church.
Who Appears
- Robert LangdonRealizes he misread the clue and reinterprets it as a Raphael-designed tomb.
- Vittoria VetraFinds the date mismatch, drives the investigation, and redirects Olivetti to the true site.
- Pantheon docentProvides crucial art and architecture details that point to the Chigi Chapel.
- Commander OlivettiReceives Vittoria’s urgent correction and is ordered to move his men from the Pantheon.
- Taxi driverStartled from sleep and drives Langdon and Vittoria toward Santa Maria del Popolo.