In 1578, a network of labyrinthine tombs was discovered lurking
underneath the street of Rome. These tombs had for a long time been home
to decayed skeletons of the early Christian Martyrs, who were believed
to be saints due to their bravery and unwavering support to the
Christian beliefs. Most of these skeletons, named “The Catacomb Saints”,
were distributed across Europe to replace the holy relics that were
stolen, destroyed or smashed during the Protestant Reformation.
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The skeletons were clothed and adorned with precious jewels,
crowns, expensive clothes, wigs and armor on delivery. They were then
displayed inside some churches as a reminder to those who visited, of
the wealth and riches awaiting them after death. This, however, would
only happen if they swore allegiance to the Christian faith.
Paul Koudounaris, a self confessed relic hunter, was so fascinated by
this discovery and travelled all over Europe documenting the status of
each of the Saints. Amazingly, most of the skeletons are yet to be
displayed- they are still stored in their containers waiting to be
dressed. His book is known as Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures & Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs. It
takes an in depth look at the origins and history of these Catacomb
Saints. It poses questions like: who were they? How did they die? Who
ordered their placement in the Catacombs? Why did they lay forgotten for
so long? Check out some of these elaborate and forgotten relics form a
by-gone era.
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