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Coordinates | 41°51′32.09″N 12°30′19.90″E / 41.8589139°N 12.5055278°E |
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The Catacombs of Domitilla are an underground Christian [1] cemetery named after the Domitilla family that had initially ordered them to be dug. [2] They are located in Rome, Italy. [3] They are situated over 16 metres underground, about 2 kilometers from the south of Appia Antica [4] (Appian Way) and span 15 kilometers in distance. [4] They were actively used as a cemetery from the first through the fifth centuries AD [4] and were rediscovered in 1593 by Antonio Bosio, an archaeologist [1] They include more than 26,000 tombs. [1] More recently, they have been restored using lasers, giving a much clearer view of the images on the walls. [2] Unlike other Roman catacombs, these catacombs still hold the remains of humans. [4]
The catacombs are composed of tufa, a form of limestone that is porous. [4] [2] Finishing in 2017, restorers used lasers to help restore two rooms. [1] The restorers worked to remove layers of algae, smoke deposits, and a chalky substance. [1] What was revealed were both pagan and Christian inspired frescoes. [4] So far, only 12 out of about 70 rooms have been restored. [5]
Inside the Catacombs of Domitilla are images, some of which were revealed by the restoration, reflecting the life of bakers, [2] grape vines, Jesus with the apostles, Noah's ark, and Daniel with the lions. [2] Other biblical figures in the various cubicula include the Virgin Mary with child, [6] Adam, Eve, Jonah, The Good Shepherd, a young man dressed as a cardinal with apostles Peter and Paul. [7] Non-biblical, or pagan, figures include representations of Spring and Summer in the form of females with wings, both pictured with attendants [7] and scenes depicting Orpheus [8] surrounded by birds, beasts and the sheep that typically accompany him. [9] There are also other images of mythological and wild or tame beasts beyond the depictions of Orpheus. [8]
Media related to Catacombs of Domitilla at Wikimedia Commons
Preceded by Casal Rotondo |
Landmarks of Rome Catacombs of Domitilla |
Succeeded by Catacombs of Rome |