Appian Way & Catacombs

In your Time Travel Logbook, answer this questions....Why do you think the building of roads was important in making the Empire bigger and stronger?

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The Catacombs of Ancient Rome

The word “cemetery” comes from an Ancient Greek word which meant “place of rest”. The catacombs of Rome provided a resting place for the first generations of Christians, awaiting their resurrection and salvation in their tombs, deep beneath the ground on the outskirts of Rome. From martyrs to farmers, hundreds of thousands of early Christians ended up in the catacombs, buried close together in a maze of underground tunnels beside the Appian Way. The catacombs are so extensive that you could easily get lost and never find your way out again – a good reason to go with a tour guide! There are forty catacombs in the suburbs, that were built along the consular roads out of Rome, such as the Appian way. Here are some pictures of the Catacombs.

The catacombs were believed to exist from the early stage of the second century up to the 50th century AD. The catacombs are being maintained and utilized until the ninth century. They were then removed and placed at the outside of Rome’s city walls for reasons related with sanitation and hygiene. It is believed that the relics of Paul and Peter were buried in the catacombs during the third century.

Each of the catacomb compartments were richly ornamented with Christian emblems like fish, anchor, dove and vines. Although some areas were already covered with mosses and mildews, the catacombs still look amazing.

Among the three largest Catacombs in Rome can be seen in Via Appia.

The Catacombs of Praetextatus

Praetextatus Catacombs were built way back the second century. They were initially founded by an aristocratic Roman family and were originally intended for their own family use only. Eventually, however, the catacombs turned out to be the top burial spot for the prominent pagan and aristocratic Roman personages.

The Catacombs Od San Sebastiano

These catacombs were likewise located in Via Appia, Rome. They were named after San Sebastiano, a legend figure who served as the captain of the Praetorian Guard.

The Catacombs of San Callisto

The catacombs of San Callisto were once used as the official catacombs of the Roman church during the second century. These 20 km long catacombs is said to be the mausoleum of more than fifty martyrs including 16 Roman Bishops.