1. Christian Catacombs By Lisa Griffith Session 4, 2010

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

6. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

7. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

8. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

9. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

10. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

11. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

12. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University

13. Fromclasslectureby Prof. Nicola Denzey, Harvard University