The Christian catacombs of Rome : history, decoration, inscriptions / Vincenzo Fiocchi Nicolai, Fabrizio Bisconti, Danilo Mazzoleni ; [English translation by Cristina Carlo Stella and Lori-Ann Touchette].
208 p. : ill. (chiefly col.), maps (some col.), plans ; 28 cm. + 1 map (44 x 52 cm., folded to 22 x 26 cm.)
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. 186-207).
Contents
Introduction / Mons. Francesco Marchisano -- pt.1. The origin and Development of Roman Catacombs -- The Term "Catacomb'" -- The History of Scholarship -- The Origin of the Catacombs -- The Development of Underground Cemeteries in the Second Half of the Third Century -- The Development of Catacombs during the Reign of Constantine and the Pontificates of Julius (337-352) and Liberius (352-366) -- The Pontificate of Damasus and the Cult of the Saints -- Latest Use and Subsequent Abandonment of the Catacombs / Vincenzo Fiocchi Nicolai -- pt.2. The Decoration of Roman Catacombs -- The Atmosphere -- The Contexts -- The Themes -- The History of Scholarship / Fabrizio Bisconti -- pt.3. Inscriptions in Roman Catacombs. Christian Inscriptions in the Catacombs -- The Origins of Christian Epigraphy -- The Evolution of Formulae -- Christian Names -- Christian Society and Funerary Inscriptions -- The Clergy -- The Transformation of Language -- Affection and Sentiments -- Faith and Religious Piety -- The Cult of the Martyrs in Funerary inscriptions / Danilo Mazzoleni.