catacombes

Catacombs are underground burial places or passages lined with niches or receptacles for the dead. They are most famously associated with the early Christian period in Rome, where they served as cemeteries for a growing population. These subterranean networks, often carved out of soft volcanic rock, housed the remains of thousands of individuals, sometimes in multiple levels.

The Roman catacombs are not just simple tombs; they contain chapels, frescoed walls depicting biblical scenes, and sarcophagi. They were used from the 2nd century AD until the 5th century AD, and later became pilgrimage sites. While the Roman catacombs are the most well-known, similar burial structures have been found in other parts of the world, including Paris, where the Catacombs of Paris hold the remains of millions of Parisians transferred from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century. Other examples exist in cities like Naples and Syracuse. The term "catacomb" itself is believed to originate from the Latin phrase "cata tumbas," meaning "near the tombs," referring to the burial site of Saint Sebastian near Rome. These ancient burial sites offer a fascinating glimpse into historical burial practices and the lives of past communities.