The Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter are found approximately three kilometers from southeast Rome and the ancient Via Labicana, and date to the 4th century AD.[1] The catacombs were named in reference to the Christian martyrs Marcellinus and Peter who may have been buried there according to legend, near the body of St. Tiburtius.[2]
During excavations performed from 2004 to 2010, an estimated 20,000 skeletons were discovered in these catacombs; the skeletons were buried in loculi (individually buried within a niche), arcosolia (a burial under an arched recess), or cubicala (individuals grouped together into a burial chamber).[1] The catacombs "cover 3 hectares with 4.5 kilometers of subterranean galleries on three different levels".[1]
Within the catacombs is a variety of frescoes representative of pagan and Christian traditions and a few small artifacts. The significance of the pieces of art can be traced to the time period they were commissioned and some possible influence from the inhabitants of the catacombs.
- ^ a b c Kacki, S.; Castex, D.; Blanchard, P.; Bessou, M.; Giuliani, R.; Dutour, O. (2013-12-01). "Differential diagnosis of carpal and tarsal ankylosis on dry bones: Example from the catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus (Rome, 1st–3rd century AD)". International Journal of Paleopathology. 3 (4): 274–281. doi:10.1016/j.ijpp.2013.07.002. ISSN 1879-9817. PMID 29539564.
- ^ Amore, Agostino (5 Nov 2008). "Santi Marcellino e Pietro". Santi e Beati. Retrieved January 9, 2009.