16,951
edits
Changes
added image
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|200px|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.