Chapter 16, Student Web Activities, Human Heritage: A World History, Glencoe, 2001-03

Student Web Activity

Chapter 16: Christianity
"The Christian Catacombs of Rome"

Introduction
Early Christians were feared and characterized by most Romans as believing in "a strange and illegal superstition." For several reasons, early Christians needed to find space to bury their dead underground. Hence, early Christians began to develop many miles of underground tunnels, forming the Roman Christian catacombs. Today, the catacombs stand as an important archaeological remnant of the early Christian church. To research the catacombs, go to The Christian Catacombs of Rome Web site.

Destination Title: The Christian Catacombs of Rome

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Directions
Start at The Christian Catacombs of Rome Web site.

Click on the "A General Outline" topic.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. Why did the Christians of Rome want to bury their dead in the catacombs?

2. What was the reason that the catacombs were forgotten during the Middle Ages?

3. Why are the catacombs considered the "authentic archive of the primitive Church"?

4. What were the main symbols of the early Christians, and why were they used?

5. Imagine you are an early Christian during the Nero persecutions who is preparing to celebrate a religious holiday in the catacombs. On a separate sheet of paper, write a letter to your cousin who lives in a neighboring town. Describe for your cousin, who has never been to Rome, the walls and tunnels of the catacombs, and share with him your feelings about meeting there.