Friday, November 1, 2013

CATACOMB OF Sts. MARK, MARCELLIANUS AND DAMASUS

CATACOMBA DEI SS. MARCO, MARCELLIANO E DAMASO
The three saints were buried in two basilicas of one of which traces were found and identified in 1902 by Monsignor Wilpert during excavations carried out in the courtyard of the Istituto Salesiano di S. Tarcisio, although G.B. De Rossi believed it to be part of the Catacomb of Balbina
Mark and Marcellianus were brothers, and were ordained deacons while waiting for the martyrdom with arrows
Pope Damasus (366/384) was the legendary poet-pope who initiated and developed the cult of the martyrs
The region that should include the tombs of Mark and Marcellianus and Damasus dates from the late period of Constantine to the end of the fourth century
There are neither monumental rooms or stairs for the path of devotion of pilgrims and it consists of spacious chapels with rich sarcophagi, some still visible
In the lower floors sub-hypogea (subterranean rooms) of very limited area
Other areas dating back to the fourth century and later:
BITUS' AREA
Funerary chapel known as "Chapel of the Evangelists"
CANEPHORAE'S AREA (baskets' holders)
About 350/360, so called for a decoration with a "Series of cherubs holding baskets" including also a cubicle with a painting of "Christ and his disciples"
AREA WITH CUBICLES
Partially plastered

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