CATACOMBS OF ROME

Anthony Rivetti

ROMAN CATACOMBS
Built in 2nd Century by/for Christians
Also called necropoli cities of the dead
Underground, outside of Rome
Carved in tufa, a volcanic rock
Over 6 million Christians buried in the Catacombs
Many saints and martyrs buried in the Catacombs
Often with valuable relics

Most famous are Catacombs of St. Callixtus

Artwork was important

ROMAN CATACOMBS HISTORY

Christians were persecuted in 1st-3rd century
Were not allowed own cemeteries
Built underground sites instead
This was how the catacombs were founded

In 313, Edict of Milan was passed

Christians were no longer persecuted and had the right to build cemeteries and
churches
However, common burial place remained catacombs until 5th century

Rome was attacked in 8th and 9th century by barbarians

Damaged important places, including catacombs
Church removed relics in response

ROMAN CATACOMBS HISTORY

After removal of relics, people no longer visited
Catacombs were forgotten
In 1575, Antonio Bosio led the first exploration and scientific study of the
catacombs
Columbus of subterranean Rome

In 1822, Giovanni Battista de Rossi led more studies

Father and founder of Christian Archaeology

CATACOMBS OF ST. CALLIXTUS

Largest and most famous in Rome
Also called Catacombs of San Callisto
System of tunnels spanned an area of 90 acres, a distances of 12 miles, and a
depth of 20 meters
Buried here were 16 popes, many martyrs, thousands of Christians
Named after deacon Callixtus
Administrator of the Catacombs

Many separate areas

Little Vatican
Crypt of St. Cecelia
Family tombs

PICTURES

Family Room in a catacomb

Single person burial places

Like bunk beds

Entrance to catacombs of
St. Callixtus

RESOURCES FOR PICTURES

http://althistory.wikia.com/wiki/File:Roman_empire_flag.jpg
http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/percorsi_criptapapi.php
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/324399979379572007/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/429530883181807634/
https://
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g187791-d20855
7-i66119661-Catacombs_of_St_Callixtus-Rome_Lazio.html