What are Christian catacombs?

Answer

In ancient Rome, people were prohibited from burying their deceased within the city boundaries. This regulation resulted in the establishment of the catacombs, an underground network of passages utilized as a burial ground. While most pagans in Rome practiced cremation, some pagans and Jews opted to inter their loved ones in the catacombs. Following the tradition of the Jewish community, Christians also began using the catacombs for burials around the second century.

Christians utilized the catacombs for burials until the era of Constantine and the Edict of Milan in AD 313. Subsequently, the use of the catacombs diminished as Christians gained the ability to bury their deceased within the city confines. Despite this, certain Christians continued to frequent the catacombs due to the presence of martyrs interred there. By the fourth century, several chapels and shrines were constructed atop specific sections of the catacombs in tribute to martyred saints. In the eighth century, the church relocated some of the remains from the catacombs due to the Visigoth invasion of Rome. Following this event, the catacombs faded from historical memory. It was not until the sixteenth century, with the excavations carried out by Antonio Bosio (known as the “Columbus of the Catacombs”), that the catacombs regained Christian interest. Researchers have since discovered approximately forty Christian catacombs situated near the roads that once led into Rome. Today, the Christian catacombs in Rome are a popular tourist destination, although only five sections are accessible to the public. The Salesians of Don Bosco, a Catholic order, are responsible for their maintenance.

Among the accessible catacombs are the Catacombs of St. Agnes, Callixtus, San Sebastiano, Domitilla, and Priscilla. Particularly noteworthy are the Catacombs of Callixtus, which house the “Crypt of Popes,” the final resting place of multiple popes. These catacombs contain the remains of numerous martyrs, and over time, the Catholic Church has unearthed additional remains for use as sacred relics.

Carved into soft volcanic rock,The catacombs were ideal for serving as a burial ground, as the rock hardened when exposed to air. Within the maze of catacombs are five levels of tombs connected by stairways. Some wealthier Christians were able to have room-like vaults carved out for them.

A significant historical aspect of the Roman catacombs is the extensive collection of Christian art and symbols they house. In the Christian catacombs, one can discover the earliest known instances of the “Jesus fish” or Ichthys (ΙΧΘΥΣ), a symbol that declares Jesus as the Son of God and Savior (see John 1:49). Other noteworthy symbols found in the catacombs include the following:

• An anchor — a symbol of the Christian’s hope in Jesus «which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; », (Hebrews 6:19).

• A phoenix — a legendary bird that would rise to life from its own ashes. The phoenix was a popular early church symbol for the resurrection and sometimes for the virgin birth of Jesus (see Luke 1:26-38).

• A dove — a symbol of the Holy Spirit «and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. », (Luke 3:22).

• The Alpha and Omega — a title of Jesus «I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. », (Revelation 22:13).

• The Chi-Rho (☧) — a monogram of Christ’s name.

• A shepherd — a symbol of Jesus as the Good Shepherd «I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. », (John 10:11).

Other remarkable instances of Christian art found in the catacombs include portrayals of biblical figures and narratives: the woman who touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak; Moses striking the rock; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace; Paul teaching; and more. A well-known illustration is that of the fish and loaves from the stories of Jesus feeding the five thousand and four thousand (Matthew 14:13-21;15:29-39).

The catacombs vividly display the hope of Christians. The early church eagerly anticipated resurrection and revered the Lord Jesus as the Savior. “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him” «who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. », (1 Thessalonians 5:10).