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The construction of catacombs began in the 2nd century. They were initially used for refuge during times of persecution, for the celebration of the [[Eucharist]], for interment of the dead, and for memorial services. By the 5th century, they were no longer used for burial, but exclusively for religious services commemorating the death of a martyr. By the 9th century, catacombs completely fell into disuse and were forgotten until their rediscovery in 1578.
[[File:Iisus Hristos, sec al IV-lea.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Fourth century bust of Christ from the catacomb of Commodilla. This mural painting is an early image of a bearded Christ. Earlier Christian art in Rome portrayed Jesus usually as the Good Shepherd, disguised as Orpheus, young, beardless, and in a short tunic. During the 4th century depictions of Jesus began that showed him as a man of identifiably Jewish appearance, with a full beard and long hair, a style not usually worn by Romans.]]
The inscriptions, symbols, and paintings on the walls, arches, and sarcophagi in the catacombs provide a rich source of information about Early Christian art and [[prayer]], and include [[Christ]] depicted as the Good Shepherd and [[New Testament]] [[miracle]]s. Small lamps used for lighting the passages and burial sites in the catacombs were decorated with Christian symbols such as the [[cross]], the dove, the Chi-Rho symbol [http://www.answers.com/chi-rho], the fish, and loaves. Prayers for the departed, for the newly [[baptism|baptized]], and for courage and perseverance under trial appear frequently.
After 313 AD, when Roman persecution of Christians ended with the [[Edict of Milan|establishment of Christianity as an official religion]], the practice of subterranean burial gradually declined in favour of using aboveground above ground cemeteries in and around [[church]] buildings, and many of the [[relics ]] of martyrs were transferred to churches and [[basilica]]s.
==Sources and further reading==
[[Category:Church History]]
[[Category:Martyrs]]
[[it:Catacombe]]
[[ro:Catacombe]]