The Hidden History of the Catacombs of Rome

Summary

The Roman catacombs, vast underground burial sites carved into soft volcanic stone, became essential in the second century as burial replaced cremation. Primarily used by early Christians, they housed martyrs, and their walls were adorned with early Christian art and inscriptions. Despite their popularity, the catacombs were abandoned after the fall of Rome, only to be rediscovered in the 16th century. Today, they remain one of Rome's most fascinating historical attractions, offering a glimpse into early Christian practices, art, and the city's rich subterranean history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The catacombs beneath ancient cities, such as Rome, were vast networks of tunnels used for burial and refuge, with some extending for miles.
• 😀 The Roman catacombs, particularly the Catacomb of Callixtus, are expansive, with 12 miles of passageways and an estimated 500,000 burials.
• 😀 The transition from cremation to burial in ancient Rome during the second century created a need for more burial spaces, leading to the development of the catacombs.
• 😀 The Jewish community in Rome created the first catacombs, which inspired the development of Christian catacombs in the third century.
• 😀 Roman catacombs were typically cut into soft volcanic tufa rock, located 20 to 70 feet underground, often near quarries or sandpits.
• 😀 Catacombs were designed with narrow passageways and burial niches (loculi) for the dead, often sealed with tiles or stone slabs.
• 😀 Wealthier Christians and martyrs were buried in larger, arched niches (arcosolia), often with sarcophagi, while private family mausoleums were also built.
• 😀 Early Christian art in the catacombs includes simple symbols like fish, doves, and anchors, along with biblical frescoes that blend classical art conventions.
• 😀 Thousands of inscriptions have been found in the catacombs, mostly in Latin, commemorating the deceased, with some more elaborate epitaphs.
• 😀 Contrary to popular belief, the catacombs were not used as refuges during the persecutions of early Christians, though martyrs were buried there and became pilgrimage sites.
• 😀 After the legalization of Christianity by Constantine, the catacombs expanded significantly, though by the sixth century, interments declined, and parts of the catacombs were abandoned.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for the transition from cremation to burial in ancient Rome?

The primary reason for the shift from cremation to burial in ancient Rome is unclear, but it is believed to have been influenced by Christian beliefs in the resurrection of the body, cultural influences from eastern provinces where inhumation was common, and possibly changing fashion trends.

What were the catacombs initially used for in Rome?

The catacombs were initially created as inexpensive burial alternatives to surface tombs, especially for Christians. They also served as family tombs and expanded over time to accommodate the growing Christian population in Rome.

How were the catacombs constructed?

The catacombs were excavated into the soft volcanic tufa rock near Rome, typically starting from quarries or sandpits. The passageways were narrow, sometimes reaching 20 feet high, and were dug out gradually, expanding outward and downward.

What types of art can be found in the Roman catacombs?

The Roman catacombs contain some of the earliest Christian art, including simple symbols such as the fish, dove, and anchor. There are also frescoes depicting biblical scenes, often incorporating conventions from classical art, which prefigure later Renaissance paintings.

What is the significance of the frescoes found in the catacombs?

The frescoes found in the catacombs are significant because they represent some of the earliest examples of Christian art, illustrating biblical episodes and showcasing how Christian iconography was influenced by classical artistic traditions. They offer insights into early Christian theology and cultural integration.

What role did the catacombs play during Roman persecutions?

Contrary to popular belief, the catacombs were not used as refuges during Roman persecutions. However, the martyrs from these persecutions were buried in the catacombs, and their tombs became sites of pilgrimage for early Christians.

How did the catacombs contribute to the expansion of Christianity in Rome?

As Christianity grew in Rome, the catacombs became key burial sites for Christians and martyrs. These burial sites, especially those of martyrs, attracted pilgrims, contributing to the spread of Christian practices and beliefs. The expansion of the catacombs mirrored the growth of Christianity in the city.

When did the catacombs begin to decline in use?

The catacombs began to decline in the 5th century as burial customs changed and the population of Rome shrank. Interments stopped by the 6th century, and parts of the catacombs were already closed off by late antiquity due to the erosion of Rome's population and changing practices.

What led to the rediscovery of the Roman catacombs?

The Roman catacombs were largely forgotten after the fall of the Roman Empire, but they were rediscovered in 1578 when part of the Catacomb of Santa Priscilla collapsed, revealing a passageway with ancient frescoes. Subsequent excavations in the 19th century sparked renewed interest in these historical sites.

What are the catacombs today, and how can people explore them?

Today, the catacombs are one of Rome's leading attractions. Visitors can explore these ancient underground burial sites through guided tours, such as those offered by Through Eternity Tours, which also covers other historical sites in Rome.