Meta Description: Join Dr. David Noe, Dr. Jeff Winkle, and archaeologist Dr. Ken Bratt as they descend into the Roman Catacombs. Discover the history of San Callisto and San Sebastiano, the meaning of loculus, and the truth about early Christian burial.
Introduction: A Descent into the Tufa
Welcome back to the “vomitorium,” listeners! In Episode 76 of the Ad Navseam Podcast, hosts Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle are joined by a special guest: Dr. Ken Bratt, a former colleague, mentor, and expert in classical archaeology.
While the hosts are usually found discussing the heights of Mount Olympus or the poetry of Virgil, this week they are taking a katabasis—a descent—into the dark, subterranean world of the Roman Catacombs.
For students of the Latin language and Roman history, the catacombs offer a fascinating glimpse into the transition from paganism to Christianity. But be warned: as the opening poem by John Weinberg suggests, the world down there is “cold and sad,” a place where the living must “walk the stairs past the axe scar at the back of the skull”.
Grab your torch (and perhaps a strong cup of coffee), because we are going underground to separate the Hollywood myths from the archaeological facts.
The Etymology of the Underworld
To understand the catacombs, we must first look at the language. The word “catacomb” is derived from the Greek katakombos, meaning “near the hollows” or “near the pits.” This term originally referred specifically to the area of the San Sebastiano catacombs, which began as sand mines south of the city walls before being repurposed for burial.
Why build underground? It wasn’t just for secrecy. The geology of Rome is unique; the city sits atop layers of tufa, a soft volcanic rock. Tufa is easily excavated but hardens upon exposure to air, making it the perfect structural material for tunneling.
Key Latin Vocabulary for the Catacombs:
- Loculus (pl. loculi): Literally a “little place” or “drawer.” These are the horizontal slots carved into the walls where bodies were placed. They were sealed with marble or ceramic tiles.
- Arcosolium: A more elaborate tomb set beneath an arched recess, often used for wealthier families.
- Mensa: A “table” tomb. These flat surfaces were used for rituals, which we will discuss later.
Myths vs. Reality: Did Christians Hide There?
One of the most enduring myths about the catacombs—perpetuated by novels like Ben-Hur and Quo Vadis—is that early Christians used them as secret hiding places to worship during times of persecution.
Dr. Bratt is quick to debunk this.
- The Reality: The catacombs were legally owned properties with deeds and boundaries. The Roman authorities knew exactly where they were.
- The Atmosphere: Imagine narrow tunnels, poor ventilation, dim lighting, and the smell of thousands of decaying bodies. As Dr. Bratt notes, this is hardly a place to hold a church service with a “cookie and a cup of coffee” afterward.
The Refrigerium
While they didn’t hold Sunday mass down there, Christians did gather for the Refrigerium (Latin for “refreshment”). This was a funerary banquet held on the anniversary of a loved one’s death. Families would gather around the mensa (table) to share a meal with the dead—a tradition carried over from pagan ancestor worship.
San Callisto: The Cemetery of the Church
The first major site discussed is the Catacomb of San Callisto (St. Callixtus). Named after a deacon (and later Bishop of Rome) who administered it, this complex is massive, stretching for over 10 miles of tunnels and reaching depths of 90 feet.
The Crypt of the Popes
San Callisto became the official cemetery of the Roman Church. It houses the famous “Crypt of the Popes,” where at least five 3rd-century bishops of Rome were buried. Their original epitaphs—written in Greek, the language of the early church—have been discovered there.
Early Christian Art
San Callisto is also famous for its art. The frescoes here provide some of the earliest examples of Christian iconography.
- Old Testament Scenes: You will see Jonah and the Whale (symbolizing resurrection), Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and Moses striking the rock.
- The Good Shepherd: A motif borrowed from classical art (often Hermes carrying a ram) but re-semanticized by Christians to represent Christ.
Dr. Noe and Dr. Bratt discuss the concept of “re-semanticization.” Christians didn’t invent new art styles; they took existing Roman imagery—doves, shepherds, anchors—and imbued them with new, theological meaning.
San Sebastiano: The Memoria Apostolorum
The second major site is the Catacomb of San Sebastiano. Unlike Callisto, which was lost for centuries and rediscovered in the 1800s, San Sebastiano has been open and accessible since the time of Constantine.
The Peter and Paul Connection
Before it was named after St. Sebastian, this site was known as the Memoria Apostolorum. Tradition holds that the relics (bones) of Peter and Paul were moved here temporarily in the mid-3rd century (around 258 AD) to protect them during the Valerian persecutions.
Archaeological evidence supports this: there is a banquet hall (triclia) covered in over 600 graffiti inscriptions invoking Peter and Paul.
The Story of St. Sebastian
St. Sebastian was a captain of the Praetorian Guard under Diocletian. When his Christian faith was discovered, he was tied to a column and shot with arrows. Remarkably, he survived (nursed back to health by St. Irene), only to confront the emperor again. This time, Diocletian had him clubbed to death to make sure the job was finished.
Where Did the Bodies Go?
If there were 5 million burials in the catacombs, why are they mostly empty today?
The answer lies in the 5th through 9th centuries. As the Roman Empire collapsed and the city faced threats from invaders (Goths, Lombards), the Popes decided to move the holy relics inside the city walls for protection.
- The Pantheon: Wagon loads of bones were deposited beneath the floor of the Pantheon when it was converted into a church (Santa Maria ad Martyres).
- Relic Trade: Pilgrims and churches coveted these relics. To this day, the heads of Peter and Paul are allegedly in St. John Lateran, while their bodies are in the Vatican and St. Paul Outside the Walls .
Conclusion: A Cake You Keep
The catacombs remind us of the continuity of history. From pagan sand mines to Christian tombs, from Roman loculi to Papal crypts, the Latin language and Roman culture are etched into the very earth of the city.
As we conclude this tour of the dead, Dr. Noe offers a Gustatory Parting Shot from Victor Hugo (author of Les Misérables):
“A person may not want any more of his cake, but that is no reason for giving it away.”
Words to live by, indeed. Valete!
Resources for the Classical Learner
- Hackett Publishing: Celebrating 50 years of providing affordable, high-quality translations of the classics. From Homer to Virgil, Hackett is the gold standard. Use code AN2022 for 20% off and free shipping at hackettpublishing.com.
- The Moss Method: Want to read the New Testament or Plato in the original Greek? Dr. Noe’s program takes you from “neophyte to erudite” with self-paced video modules. Visit mossmethod.com.
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