Vatican Necropolis is located under the Vatican City, at depth varying between 5-12 meters below St. Peter's Basilica. Archaeological excavations sponsored by the Vatican (also known by their Italian name scavi ) under St. Peter in 1940-1949 which reveal parts of the necropolis dating from the Empire. The work was done at the request of Pope Pius XI who wanted to be buried as close as possible to Peter the Apostle. It is also home to the Tomb of Julii, which has been dated to the third or fourth century. Necropolis was originally not one of the underground Catacombs of Rome, but an open cemetery with tombs and tombs.
The Vatican Necropolis was not to be confused with the Vatican caves, the latter resulting from the construction of the Church of St. Peter and situated at the base level of the old basilica of Constantine.
Video Vatican Necropolis
Origins dari necropolis
Vatican Necropolis was originally a burial ground built on the southern slopes of the Vatican Hill, adjacent to the Circus of Caligula. In accordance with Roman law, it is forbidden to bury the dead within the city walls. For this reason, cemeteries are popping up along the road outside the city cemetery. One of these roads, Via Cornelia, drove north along the Vatican hill.
Caligula.27s_Circus "> Caligula Circus
At the top of the circus that Caligula had built, an Egyptian obelisk had been stationed. The obelisk has been around since ancient times; in 1586 was moved from his hometown by Domenico Fontana on the orders of Pope Sixtus V when St. Peter's Square was added.
The original location, just before the current Excavation Office (SCAVI) Fabbrica di San Pietro, is marked by a plaque on the ground.
Old St. Peter
According to tradition, the Apostle Peter died a martyr in 64 or 67 during the reign of Emperor Nero. Peter is said to be buried in the necropolis because of his proximity to Circus Nero where he was martyred. After the Milan Decree, Emperor Constantine began the construction of the first Church of St. Peter, also known as the Old St. Peter's Basilica. At this time, Roman cemeteries are still in use. This is known because the coins are found in jars originating from 318 AD. During this time, necropolises are protected by law and untouchable. However, Emperor Constantine, I decided to build a basilica, which lies just above the tomb of the Apostle Peter. To get the vast amount needed for planned development, Emperor Constantine I dug a section of the Vatican hill necropolis, which can be seen in the figure. This causes the necropolis to be filled with soil and building debris, with the exception of St. Peter's tomb, which is preserved.
Maps Vatican Necropolis
Excavation
20th Century
The first excavations of Necropolis occurred from 1940-1949 during the papacy of Pius XII. The purpose of this excavation was to find the tomb of St. Peter, who for centuries was considered to be under St. Peter's Basilica. A series of tombs were dug up. Mausoleum originally labeled with the Greek alphabet letter? (phi) ,? (chi) and? (Psi). Then, Latin letters are used. The Mausoleum M was described in 1574, and the O Mausoleum was discovered when excavated during the construction of the foundation for the statue of Pius VI. R and S mausoleums were discovered when the southern part of the foundation for Gian Lorenzo Bernini's canopy was created.
First, A tomb is built. In subsequent years, in rapid succession, the B, C, D, and E mausoleums were built adjacent. The Mausoleum G is very likely from the same time as Mausoleum B, while the Mausoleum F may have been made during the reign of Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD). These seven mausoleums are placed in a row, built as a stand-alone building with different heights and forming a 32-meter-long road. Later, the gap is filled by G and O mausoleums and with other buildings. During the reign of Hadrian, O Mausoleum was built. Only Mausoleum H, from the second half of the 2nd century, deviates from the straight line because of the previously built Atrium. At this time Circus is no longer used; thus, it is no longer an obstacle to the spread of necropolis to the south. The circus at that time was built with various graves. Graves of the same time as the construction of Hausoleum H are found near the foundation of the obelisk. When the Circus is finally leveled, for the existing tomb series is built another group, namely the Mausoleum Z ,? (phi) ,? (chi) and? (Psi). In the period from the end of the 2nd century until the middle of the 3rd century, the tomb was built together with various freestanding buildings. All buildings except the R1 Mausoleum have an entrance to the south, towards the circus and Via Cornelia.
The tombs have been used by many generations and shared by several families. Archaeologists uncovered about 120 cemeteries in Mausoleum F and at least 170 in Mausoleum H. The estimated count of the burials of bodies and jars in 22 tombs excavated resulted in a number of more than 1,000 burials. This large number is due to high infant mortality and low life expectancy in the second century.
The former owner of six mausoleums (A, C, H, L, N, and O) has been identified from an inscription above the entrance. Nausoleum N is an example of mausoleum used by various families at the same time. It reports that it was Marcus Aebutius Charito's tomb, but that half belonged to Lucius Volusius Successus and Volusia Megiste, who together bought some of it.
21st Century
More than the necropolis was dug up in 2003 while building a car park. This site is now open for visitors.
Some graves have undergone a restoration, like a ten-month project involving Valerii Mausoleum.
St. Peter's Grave (Field P)
The field called P (Peter Campus) is a small area where the suspected grave of the Apostle Peter is located. Peter, according to tradition, after his martyrdom at Circus Nero, is buried here. About 100 years after Peter's death, a temple was erected on top of his grave. The temple is adjacent to the so-called Red Wall. Immediately adjacent to Peter's suspected grave, several other tombs were found. The arrangement of the grave indicates that Peter's tomb is the place of early worship. The temple, also called the "Gaius Cup", was named for the Roman Gaius theologian who lived in Rome during the time of Pope Zephyrinus (198-217 CE). Consider this quote from Eusebius of Caesarea:
I can show the tropaia of the apostles. Because if you want to go to the Vatican or on the road to Ostia, you will find tropaia from those who founded this church.
The Greek term used by Gaius - tropaion - usually means a monument or cup of triumph. Eusebius interprets the quotation 100 years later as a respectful grave indication. On the right side of the "Trophy of Gaius" mounted on the right-hand corner, called Graffiti Wall, is named after a large number of Latin graffiti can be found there. During the excavations in the tombs the mortal remains of the Apostle Peter were not found. However, there are holes in the marbled graffiti wall, some human bones. Archaeologist Margherita Guarducci stated that during the construction of the basilica of Constantine, the remnant of the Apostle Peter was removed from his original grave and placed at the opening. Archaeologists point to the inscriptions on the wall behind the pillar monument including the letters PETR... EN I, as the appointment of Peter relics. Other archaeological sites in Rome also have the same graffiti, indicating that there is a warning (by Christians) to Peter and Paul as martyrs. After the discovery and subsequent scientific research of these bones, on 26 June 1968 Pope Paul VI claimed that the relics of St. Peter had been identified in a manner that was considered convincing.
Guided tour
The Scavi tour can be set up with the previous scavi office by specifying the desired date and indicating the language in which the tour will be performed. Lasting about an hour and a half, the tour ends at Saint Peter's tomb before returning to the basilica. Due to the limitations placed by conservation efforts, only small groups of ten to fifteen people are allowed at a time.
To pick up your ticket you must first visit Ufficio Scavi's office. Please note that you will not be able to take photos on the tour.
See also
- Index of related articles Vatican City
References
- Zander, Pietro (2009). Necropolis under St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican . Fabbrica di San Pietro. ISBN: 978-88-7369-081-8.
External links
- Virtual tour through Vatican Necropolis
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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