catacomb Subterranean burial chamber used during the Roman Empire. Catacombs were used for burial, not only by Christians, but they are usually associated with Christianity because the Christians held services in the catacombs while they were still persecuted by the Romans (First to early fourth centuries A.D., though the persecution was not always severe at all times during this period). Some of the catacombs are decorated with Christian paintings.

Compare with crypt
See also: sarcophagus, mausoleum, memorial brass

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Room in the catacomb of Callistus
Rome, Italy
Crypt of S. Caecilla showing corridor
Catacomb of Callistus,Rome, Italy
Cross Section showing rooms and corridors
Catacomb of Callistus,Rome, Italy

Images adapted from Walter Lowrie, Monuments of the Early Church (New York:The Macmillan Company, 1901).

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