Sanisera Fieldschool 2010, session 4: Christian Catacombs, by Lisa Griffith

Christian Catacombs

By Lisa GriffithSession 4, 2010

Similarities: Pagan and Early Christian Burials

• Early Christian funeral structures evolved from Roman pagan funerary architecture– Both rituals required a burial place and a place for memorial services– Funeral banquet

• Standard architectural elements for both Roman and early Christian burials were:– Clearly identified tomb – occasionally with a table top– For the banquet either a tomb chamber with mourners’ benches or

couches, or a separate room

• Roman pagans favored burial in family groups regardless of religious belief– Christians, by 200AD required burial apart from pagans

• Roman lower classes were generally cremated and remains were placed in a columbaria– Christians did not believe in cremation and needed an inexpensive

alternative since most were not wealthy

• Burial location had to accommodate large Christian congregations– Above-ground cemeteries– Underground catacombs

Differences: Pagan and Early Christian Burials

Catacombs

• First built in late 200s, early 300s AD– In areas where property values above ground were high– Soft rock for low labor costs

• Only built in Sicily, North Africa, Naples and Rome• Abandoned after late 500s, early 600s AD – Land values collapsed and labor force decreased due to

political and economic catastrophes

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

From class lecture by Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University