Rome, known as the Eternal City, is famed for its ruins, monuments, basilicas and piazzas. However, beneath its bustling streets and historic edifices lies a hidden world that offers an even deeper connection to its ancient past. This blog article delves into Rome’s subterranean treasures, including its catacombs, underground temples, ancient aqueducts, and sewers.
The catacombs
The catacombs were created as subterranean burial places primarily for Christians and Jews between the second and fifth centuries AD. During this period, burying the dead within city limits was prohibited by Roman law, necessitating the creation of these fascinating tunnel systems with underground cemeteries. Many tunnels are kilometers long and sometimes have four floors. The catacombs provided not just a final resting place but also a space for religious rituals and ceremonies during times of persecution.
In Rome, only a few of the many catacombs are open to the public, those of San Callisto, San Sebastiano, San Domitilla, San Agnese and San Priscilla. Booking a tour with a guide is the easiest way to visit the catacombs and monuments. It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear as you will be walking through underground tunnels.
Famous catacombs
The Catacombs of San Callisto, one of Rome’s largest and most significant, cover approximately 20 kilometers. Established in the mid-2nd century, they feature several remarkable crypts, including the Crypt of the Popes, where many early popes were interred.
Situated along the ancient Appian Way, the Catacombs of San Sebastiano are among Rome’s oldest. These catacombs are named after the Christian martyr Saint Sebastian and offer a glimpse into Rome’s early religious history.
Often referred to as the “Queen of the Catacombs,” the Catacombs of Priscilla are renowned for their exquisite frescoes that date back to the 2nd century. The artwork here includes some of the earliest known depictions of the Virgin Mary and the Magi (‘wise men’).
Art and inscriptions
The catacombs are not merely burial sites; they are rich with early Christian art and inscriptions. These frescoes and symbols, such as the fish (Ichthys), the anchor, and the Good Shepherd, communicated faith and hope in the promise of resurrection to those who faced persecution.
Underground temples and structures
Dedicated to the god Mithras, a deity popular among Roman soldiers, the Mithraeum were secretive underground temples used for worship and initiation rites. These enigmatic sites offer a fascinating look into the mystery religions that coexisted with early Christianity.Perhaps one of Rome’s most intriguing sites, the Basilica of San Clemente, reveals layers of history. Descending beneath the current 12th-century basilica, visitors find a 4th-century church and, even deeper, a 2nd-century Mithraeum and Roman buildings. This site exemplifies how Rome’s history is literally built upon itself.
Ancient sewers and aqueducts
One of the world’s oldest sewage systems, the Cloaca Maxima, is the great sewer in Rome that flows into the Tiber, it was essential to Rome’s sanitary needs. Initially constructed in the 6th century BC, it has been in use for millennia, a testament to Roman engineering prowess.
Rome’s aqueducts were marvels of ancient engineering, bringing fresh water from distant sources into the city. While many have crumbled, some remnants can still be explored today, offering insights into how this advanced infrastructure supported Rome’s growth and prosperity.
Modern discoveries
Archaeological work continues to uncover the secrets of Rome’s underground. Recent excavations have unveiled new sections of catacombs, hidden chambers, and forgotten tunnels, further enriching our understanding of ancient Rome.
Technological advances
Modern technology plays a crucial role in unearthing and preserving these subterranean wonders. Techniques such as ground-penetrating radar and 3D modeling allow archaeologists to explore and document these fragile sites without causing damage.Exploring Rome’s underground reveals a city beneath the city, a place where history is etched into every wall and tunnel. These hidden sites not only add depth to our understanding of Rome’s past but also offer an intriguing experience for the adventurous traveler. Next time you visit Rome, don’t just look around but look down and discover the secrets buried beneath its storied streets.
