Catacombs

Catacombs are special underground passages made by people, mostly used for religious reasons and for burying people. The word "catacomb" usually makes people think of the ancient Romans, but any place used for burial can be called a catacomb. These hidden spaces have been important for many cultures and religions throughout history. They help us learn about how people lived and honored their dead long ago.

Etymology and history

The first place called catacombs was a system of underground tombs near the city of Rome. These tombs were used to bury important people, including the apostles Peter and Paul. The word catacumbae comes from an old Latin phrase meaning "at the graves." At first, this word only described the catacombs in Rome, but later it was used for any underground burial place, like the famous catacombs in Paris. The early Christians made these tunnels in soft rock called tufa.

All the Roman catacombs were built outside the city because it was not allowed to bury people inside the city walls. This allowed special services and celebrations to happen safely on important days.

Around the world

Catacombs are special underground places used for burying people, found all around the world. Some famous examples include:

• Austria – Catacombs of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
• Czech Republic – Catacombs of Znojmo
• Bosnia and Herzegovina – Catacombs of Jajce
• Egypt – Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria
• United Kingdom – Catacombs of London
• Finland – Catacombs of the Helsinki Orthodox cemetery at Hietaniemi cemetery
• France – Catacombs of Paris, where old bones from cleared graveyards were stored
• Greece – Catacombs of Milos
• Italy – Catacombs of Rome; Catacombs of Naples; Capuchin catacombs of Palermo
• Israel – Beit She'arim necropolis
• Malta – Catacombs of Malta
• Peru – Catacombs of Lima
• Philippines – Catacomb of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
• Spain – Catacombs of Sacromonte in Granada
• Serbia – Petrovaradin Fortress catacombs
• Tunisia – Catacombs of Sousse
• Ukraine – Odesa Catacombs
• United States – Old St. Patrick's Cathedral

Decorations

Catacombs are famous underground passages and burial places, but they also hold many beautiful decorations. In places like Rome and Paris, you can find thousands of decorations such as inscriptions, paintings, statues, and ornaments placed in graves over many years.

These decorations were mainly used to honor and remember the people buried there. In the catacombs of Rome, many decorations show pictures and words about Jesus or scenes from the Bible. Some special artworks, like statues and paintings, are kept in museums such as the Museum of Saint John Lateran, the Christian Museum of Berlin University, and the Vatican.

One interesting find in the catacombs includes three pictures of Jesus showing peaceful music to animals. There is also an old piece made of gilded glass from the fourth century that shows Jesus holding the world and a scroll beside him.

Inscriptions

Even though many writings have been lost over time, many remaining ones tell us about the people buried there. Some inscriptions show the jobs or ranks of the people, while others simply express love between families or couples. A special symbol found in Roman catacombs is the Ichthys, or "Monogram of Christ," which stands for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."

Bacteria

Scientists have found special kinds of tiny living things, called bacteria, that grow well in catacombs. These bacteria can change the minerals in the walls, making them look different or causing damage. Some of these bacteria are named Kribbella sancticallisti, Kribbella catacumbae, and three types of Rubrobacter that live in cooler temperatures.