[3] Some historians have suggested that, unlike other catacombs, those at Ħal Resqun portray enough Christian markers to be classified as paleochristian remains,[1] while others view these features to be inconclusive.
[4] Some of the graffiti, interpreted by a number of historians as portraying a biblical scene, are thought to be unique in the world,[5] and considered one of the most important remains from Late Antiquity in Malta.
[4] In 1975 the catacombs were covered over during roadworks, and located again in 1978, when they were sealed with concrete and an access slab hidden beneath soil.
The doorway is flanked by two engraved columns, while the apsed arched entrance has carvings of a peacock and a peahen feeding a chick.
The tombs contain fluted pilasters, sometimes twisted, circular decorations, and carvings including fish, and three heads (one upside down), flanked by outstretched arms.
[4] Żammit records that fragments of glass and pottery found in the catacomb "were also of the late Roman period,"[4] but this date does not indicate the first time the site was in use.