User:Fudymben/sandbox

Etymology
The word catacombs comes from the Latin root word "catatumbas" meaning either “among the tombs” or other translations from the original late Latin say it means “next to the quarry”. The later translation stems from the first excavations done to create the catacombs system, which was conducted outside of Rome near the quarry.

History of Excavation
Originally the system of complex tunnels, later known as the catacombs, were first excavated by the Etruscan people that lived in the region predating the Romans. The system of tunnels that became the catacombs, was first excavated in the process of mining for various rock resources such as limestone and sandstone. These quarries became the basis for later excavation, first by the Romans for rock resources and then the Christians and Jews for burial sites and mass graves.

Artistic Imagery Within the Catacombs
In the Catacombs of Rome, there are many different pieces of artwork. Most artworks are religious in nature some depicting important Christian rights such as baptism, or religious scenes and stories such as the story of "The Three Hebrews and the Fiery Furnace" or biblical figures such as Adam and Eve. (add above gallery of art section)