Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-02-03
The CatacOmbs OF Rome.

From an illustrated article by Professor
Philip SchaG, ID. ID, In the January Century,
we quote the following extracts: The Roman
CatacOmbs are long aud narrow passages or
cross galleries cxcayated IN the bowels OF ihe
earth, In the hills outside and around the
city, for the burial OF the dead. They are
dark and gloomy, with only an occasional ray
OF light from above. The galleries have two
or more stories, all filled with tombs; aud
form an intricate network or substenanean
labyrinth. Small compartments VocHO Tor
the reception OF the dead were cut like shelves
IN the perpendicular walls, and rectangular
chambers (c,tbicaia) for families or distin
gushed martyrs. They were closed with
slab Of marble or tile. The more wealthy
were laid in sarcophagL The ceiling is fat,
sometimes slightly arched. Space was econo.
mized so as to leave room usually only for
single person, the average wild Of the pass
ages being two aud one half to three feet.
This economy may be traced 10 the poyery OF
the early Christians, AMI also TO their strong
sense OF community in life sn1 in death. The
little oratories with alters AMI Episcopal
chos Gu. In the tuta are probably Of later
construction, and could accomodate only a
n few persons at a time. They were suited
not for public worship.
"lhe furniture Of tile Catacombs Ia Instruc-
tive and interesting. but most Of 10 has been
removed TO churches and museums, aud
mast be studied outside. Articles OF orua-
ment, rings seals, bracelets. "cklaces mir
rors, toOth-piClts, ear-picks, buckles, brooches.
rare coins. innumerabie lamps Of clay (terra
cOtta) or al bronze Gwen ~ silver aud AMBER
all sorts OF tools, aud in the case OF children
a variety Of playthings were mclosed with the
dead Many Of these articles are carved with
the monogram Of Christ or with other Chris.
tian symbols Cine lamps In Jewish ceme-
teries generally bear picture OF the golden
candlestck
"a great number OF TASKS and cups with or
without Ornameutation, are also found, most
" outs de OF the graves and fastened 10 the
graYe-lids These were formerly supposed 10.
have been receptaclcs for tears or from the
red dried sediment in them, for the blood OF
martyrs But later psychologists consider
them drinking-ycssels used In the agape and
citations. superstitiOus habit prevailed I'm
the fourth century. athougl condemned by
council Of Carthage $40 to give to the dead
the euchari,tic wine, or 10 put cup with the
cOnsecrated wine into the grave.
"Tne instruments 81 torture which the
fertile Imagination OF credulOus people had
discovered. aud which were made 10 prove
that almost every Christian buried in the
Catacombs was fuartyr, are simply imple-
ncnts Of handicraft The instinct Of nature
prompts the bercayei 20 deposit in The graves
Of their kindred and friends those things
which were constantly used bv them. The
idea prevailed also to n large extent, that the
future life was continuation OF the Occupa-
lions and amusements of the present but free
from sin aud imperfecl ion.
"On opening the graves the skeleton fire.
luentlv appears even now very well preserved,
sometimes IN dazzling VIII .tene~s, as covered
With a glistening < ory, bat falls into dust at
the touch"