Catacombs

[1][2] The first place to be referred to as catacombs was the system of underground tombs between the 2nd and 3rd milestones of the Appian Way in Rome, where the bodies of the apostles Peter and Paul, among others, were said to have been buried.

[5] Catacombs around the world include: There are also catacomb-like burial chambers in Anatolia, Turkey; in Sousse, Tunisia; in Syracuse, Italy; Trier, Germany; Kyiv, Ukraine.

[10] In Ukraine and Russia, catacomb (used in the local languages' plural katakomby) also refers to the network of abandoned caves and tunnels earlier used to mine stone, especially limestone.

[12] Three representations of Christ as Orpheus charming animals with peaceful music have been found in the catacombs of Domatilla and St.

[13] Another figure was made of gilded glass and dates back to the fourth century, featuring Jesus with the world balanced in his hand and a scroll at his feet.

[13] In recent years unique strains of bacteria have been discovered that thrive in catacombs, inducing mineral efflorescence and decay.