Tracing_the_original_tombs Saint_Peter's_tomb

fourth century glass mosaic of saint peter, located @ catacombs of saint thecla.

catholic tradition holds bereaved christians followed usual custom in burying him near possible scene of suffering. according catholic lore, laid in ground belonged christian proprietors, side of well-known road leading out of city, via cornelia (site of known pagan , christian cemetery) on hill called vaticanus. actual tomb underground vault, approached road descending staircase, , body reposed in sarcophagus of stone in center of vault.

the book of popes mentions pope anacletus built sepulchral monument on underground tomb of saint peter shortly after death. small chamber or oratory on tomb, 3 or 4 persons kneel , pray on grave. pagan roman emperor, julian apostate, mentions in 363 a.d. in work 3 books against galileans tomb of saint peter place of worship, albeit secretly.

there evidence of existence of tomb (trophoea, i.e., trophies, signs or memorials of victory) @ beginning of 3rd century, in words of presbyter caius refuting montanist traditions of proclus: can show trophies of apostles. if go vatican, or ostian way, find trophies of laid foundations of church.

these tombs objects of pilgrimage during ages of persecution, , found recorded in acts of martyrs seized while praying @ tombs of apostles.

during reign of roman emperor valerian, christian persecution particularly severe. remains of dead, , particularly christian dead, had lost usual protections under roman law. remains of peter , paul may have been removed temporarily original tombs in order preserve them desecration romans. may have been removed secretly night , hidden in catacombs of s. sebastiano in 258 ad, being returned original tombs in 260 when valerian s reign ended.