Catacomb

A catacomb is an underground cemetery consisting of a subterranean gallery with recesses for tombs, as constructed by the ancient Romans. The term is most commonly associated with the Catacombs of Rome, but it is also used to describe similar structures in other locations.

Etymology

The word "catacomb" is derived from the Latin "catacumba," which means "among the tombs." The term originally referred to the underground burial places near Rome, but it has since been generalized to describe similar burial sites elsewhere.

History

Catacombs have been used since ancient times for the burial of the dead. The most famous catacombs are those of Rome, which were used by early Christians as burial places and places of worship during times of persecution. The Catacombs of Paris are another well-known example, created in the late 18th century to address the city's overflowing cemeteries.

Structure

Catacombs are typically composed of narrow passageways and small chambers, with niches carved into the walls to hold the bodies of the deceased. These niches, known as loculi, were often sealed with slabs of marble or terracotta. Larger rooms, called cubicula, were used for family burials or as chapels.

Significance

Catacombs hold significant historical and archaeological value. They provide insights into the burial practices, religious beliefs, and social structures of the societies that built them. The art and inscriptions found within catacombs are valuable sources of information for historians and archaeologists.

Notable Catacombs

• Catacombs of Rome
• Catacombs of Paris
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt
• Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples, Italy

Related Pages

• Crypt
• Mausoleum
• Necropolis
• Ossuary
• Tomb

See Also

• Burial
• Funerary art
• Underground city