International Catacomb Society

@catacombsociety

Bridging Disciplines • Supporting Scholarship • Connecting the Public at catacombsociety.org.

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International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Jul 14

Mosaic portrait of the bishop Quodvultdeus from the #Catacombs of San Gennaro in #Naples #MosaicMonday #archaeology #AncientBlueSky🏺

Round mosaic bust portrait of a stern looking older man dressed in a white robe. He holds a jeweled book in his hands. The mosaic is damaged.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Jul 13

Fresco of a peacock in the #catacomb of Domitilla, #Rome. (Joseph Wilpert watercolor, plate 12.4) #archaeology #earlyChristianity #lateantiquity #art #ancientBluesky🏺

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Jul 12

Fresco from the #Catacomb of Praetextatus in #Rome likely depicting the healing of the woman with the flow of blood (Matthew 9:20-22). The woman can be seen on the ground behind the two standing figures. Jesus is on the right (fragmentary) (Wilpert watercolor, plate 20)

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Feb 21

Painted vault from the catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus. At the center is an image of the good shepherd. Around the edge (clockwise from top): Daniel in the lions den, a baptism (of Jesus?), Noah's ark, Abraham sacrificing Isaac. (Wilpert watercolor, pl. 73)

Painted vault in circular form divided into geometric regions of large and small circles and squares, and semicircles. White background. There are also scattered birds and other animals and garlands.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Feb 19

Join us on March 18th @fordham.edu for a talk with Candida Moss @candidamoss.bsky.social on her latest book! RSVP here: www.catacombsociety.org/events/

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Feb 17

Burial chamber from the catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus. On the left Moses strikes the rock. On the right Noah pops out of the ark. In the center TWO magi approach the Virgin Mary and child Jesus. (image: Wilpert watercolor, pl. 60) #archaeology #Rome #EarlyChristian #art

catacomb burial chamber. On the back wall is a tomb about head height that has been dug out. Below, an arch reaching up from the floor. The walls are painted white with various decorations, incluing the figures mentioned in the text.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Feb 15

For all those who have ever lost their head for love, St. Valentine wishes you a happy #Valentine's Day! 💖💀

reliquary in a church containing a skull. it has a label on it that says "S. Valentini M."

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Jan 31

Vault fresco from the catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus showing the good shepherd at the center with scenes from the story of Jonah interspersed with praying figures (orants). (Joseph Wilpert watercolor, plate 61)

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Jan 29

Fresco from the Cubiculum of the Barrel Makers in the Catacombs of Priscilla. The fresco shows a group of men carrying a large barrel towards two more. The burial space likely belonged to a collegium of barrel makers. (Joseph Wilpert watercolor)

small rectamgular burial chamger. against back wall seven men carry a barrel towards two more on the left side. Two columns decorate the front of the burial space. Other decorative motifs decorat the ceiling vault.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Jan 4

As we look backwards and forward like Janus, we wish you a new year full of health, peace, and prosperity! We hope to see you at one of our 2026 events!

black and white drawing of a two headed bust of Janus. Caption: Janus, from Illustrium Imagines, 1517

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Jan 4

We're currently accepting applications for the 2026/27 Shohet Grants. The program funds research on the Ancient Mediterranean in the areas of archaeology, art history, classical studies, history, comparative religions, and related subjects. Projects need not focus on the catacombs.

2026-2027 SHOHET SCHOLARS GRANT FOR RESEARCH ON THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN
The Shohet Scholars Grant of the International Catacomb Society is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars cohort. Awards up to $30,000.
Submission deadline is February 1, 2026.

This annual grant program funds research on the Ancient Mediterranean. Projects need not focus on the catacombs. Shohet Scholars may do their research in archaeology, art history, classical studies, history, comparative religions, or related subjects.
We welcome interdisciplinary projects that approach traditional topics from new perspectives.
For further information and to apply go to the ICS website: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-scholars/.
Email questions to ShohetICS@gmail.com

Image of fresco of a bird and a shepherd with a sheep over his shoulders. Paintings from the Catacombs of Domatilla in Rome.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Nov 7

We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars Grant for research on the Ancient Mediterranean! Awards range from $2,000-$30,000. Deadline is Feburary 1, 2026. More information: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-schol...

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Nov 5

We are organizing an online session for the 2026 annual meeting of the North American Patristics Society: "Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity". Proposal deadline is Nov. 19. www.patristics.org/annual-meeti...

Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity (online)

Organizers: Arthur Urbano (aurbano@providence.edu) & Robin Jensen (robinmjensen@gmail.com)

For this online session organized by the International Catacomb Society, we are seeking papers that address the theme “Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity”. Garments were a defining aspect of Roman society, serving as markers of status, gender, ethnicity, profession, and so on, part of what Terence Turner coined as “the social skin.” The curation and adornment of the body were not necessarily personal choices, but determined by custom, and sometimes mandated by law, locating individuals within a complex of social categories. But garments are not limited to material forms. They can also be verbalized as text, appearing in literary sources as conveyors of meaning, in the form of metaphor, allegory, or symbol. They also appear visualized in art, not simply displaying what actual garments looked like, but part of the code of the overall composition, contributing to the image’s meaning. Early Christians both subscribed to and challenged the sartorial norms of Roman society and produced material, verbal, and visual garments that created and conveyed meaning. For this session we are looking for papers that specifically address meaning-making through material, textual, and/or visual clothing in Early Christian contexts. This could include textiles with embroidered images, or other material remains; allegorical exegesis of biblical garments, or symbolic interpretations of ascetic or episcopal garments; or, interpretations of garments as represented in catacomb frescoes, or on sarcophagi, or in the mosaics of churches. Alternatively, the complex messaging in garments adorned with both Christian and traditional iconography, such as Dionysian imagery, presents another lens through which to explore the “social skin” of Early Christianity.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Nov 5

Conference: I Sarcofagi paleocristiani romani: nuovi studi, nuovi approcci / Roman Early Christian Sarcophagi: New studies, new approaches DAI Roma - Musei Vaticani Nov 6-7. In person and online www.academia.edu/143216180/I_...

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Oct 11

Join us if you are in the #Boston area! t.co/4tlXs5o1mH

Beneath the streets of Ancient Rome, in the tunnels and crypts of the catacombs, Jews expressed their heritage and faith through unique cultural artifacts, using the artistic tools of their time to connect with their surroundings. In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork. We’ll also explore how the discovery, identification, and preservation of these artifacts have shaped our understanding of the Jewish community in Ancient Rome. Born and raised in Boston, Jessica Dello Russo went on to earn her doctorate in Archaeology from the Vatican's Institute for Christian Archaeology in 2022. She is the author of "A Jewish Archaeology: The Christian Discovery of Jewish Catacombs in Rome" (Brill, 2025), the book chapter, "Growing the Global Audience for the Jewish Catacombs of Italy" (UniOr Press, 2025), and other studies focused on the catacombs of Rome. Copies of many of these publications are available on the International Catacomb Society's website (www.catacombsociety.org).

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Oct 11

We have partnered with Lehrhaus in Somerville, MA to bring you an exciting class taught by Dr. Jessica Dello Russo on 10/30 at 6pm: "Whispers from the #Catacombs: Discovering Jewish Culture Under Ancient #Rome" Registration required: t.co/4tlXs5o1mH

photo of Dr. Dello Russo in an underground excavation.
"Whispers from the Catacombs...etc."
Thursday, October 20, 6pm
In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Sep 30

We will be organizing an ONLINE session for the 2026 annual meeting of the North American Patristics Society in Chicago -- "Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity." We'd love to consider your proposal! CfP opens on October 15.

Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity
For this online session organized by the International Catacomb Society, we are seeking papers that address the theme “Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity”. Garments were a defining aspect of Roman society, serving as markers of status, gender, ethnicity, profession, and so on, part of what Terence Turner coined as “the social skin.” The curation and adornment of the body were not necessarily personal choices, but determined by custom, and sometimes mandated by law, locating individuals within a complex of social categories. But garments are not limited to material forms. They can also be verbalized as text, appearing in literary sources as conveyors of meaning, in the form of metaphor, allegory, or symbol. They also appear visualized in art, not simply displaying what actual garments looked like, but part of the code of the overall composition, contributing to the image’s meaning. Early Christians both subscribed to and challenged the sartorial norms of Roman society and produced material, verbal, and visual garments that created and conveyed meaning. For this session we are looking for papers that specifically address meaning-making through material, textual, and/or visual clothing in Early Christian contexts. This could include textiles with embroidered images, or other material remains; allegorical exegesis of biblical garments, or symbolic interpretations of ascetic or episcopal garments; or, interpretations of garments as represented in catacomb frescoes, or on sarcophagi, or in the mosaics of churches. Alternatively, the complex messaging in garments adorned with both Christian and traditional iconography, such as Dionysian imagery, presents another lens through which to explore the "social skin" of Early Christianity.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Sep 20

Love catacombs and ancient Mediterranean material culture? Oraganized, and good with numbers? We are looking for a new Treasurer and Board member. See announcement below.

Seeking Treasurer for the International Catacomb Society

The International Catacomb Society is in search of a new Treasurer, who would also serve on the Board. We are hoping to fill the position with someone who shares an enthusiasm for the work that ICS supports. While some experience with bookkeeping is a plus, we are open to the right person, regardless of prior experience.
The Treasurer oversees the distribution of our annual grants, helps prepare the annual budget, and manages some regular monthly expenses. The position also Chairs the Finance Committee annual and mid year meeting. It is a vital position that gives one direct access into the Society, and comes with significant support from the Board and team, including our business manager, our financial advisor, our accountant, and the ongoing guidance of two past Treasurers who remain on the Board. This is a volunteer position.
If you are interested in the role, or have questions, please be in touch with ICS Business Manager Shira Telushkin, at internationalcatacombsociety@gmail.com. This would be a real service to the community and, we hope, interesting and meaningful work for the right candidate. Please feel free to share widely within your own networks, as well.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Aug 17

Vault fresco from the #catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus with the Good Shepherd figure at the center and biblical scenes in the round including Noah in the ark, the Baptism of Christ, Daniel with lions, and the Raising of Lazarus. Birds and gazelles, too! (Joseph Wilpert water color)

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Jul 10

Join us on August 5th to hear our Shohet Scholars discuss their fascinating research from this past year. Register here: shorturl.at/ua6kE

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· May 19

Mark Ellison, professor at Brigham Young University, will be documenting early depictions of the Vision of Isaiah in Christian liturgical art.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· May 19

Scholar @chancebonar.bsky.social will research how ancient slave revolts were both fueled and suppressed by religious practices and expressions, giving deeper insight into the religious lives of ancient enslaved persons.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· May 19

Caroline Johnson Hodge, professor at College of the Holy Cross, will be cataloguing burial sites in Rome related to the Christian cult of the dead. (Here she is in Ostia Antica!)

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· May 19

Archeologist Mary Jane Cuyler will investigate evidence for the cult of the Roman goddess known as Bona Dea, including consideration of archeological remains, inscriptions, and archival records from past excavations in Ostia and Portus. (Here she is in Ostia!)

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Feb 16

The ICS is co-sponsoring an online session at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the North American Patristics Society. Here's the lineup! Chaired by ICS president Arthur Urbano (@arturoviaggia @bsky.social)

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Feb 1

Fresco from the #Catacombs of Callixtus probably depicting Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (Joseph Wilpert watercolor) #archaeology #earlyChristian #art #Rome

a seated figure in the left upper corner holds either an open scroll or a cloth in both hands; below a woman places a bucket in a well, the water splashes out, and she looks behind her.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Dec 21

Fresco of the good shepherd from the Crypt of Lucina, one of the oldest sections of the #catacombs of Callixtus in #Rome. Early third century. (Wilpert water color) #archaeology #EarlyChristianity #art #antiquity

Fresco of a young man holding a sheep around his neck and a staff and pot in one hand. Two sheep stand on either side of him. He is enclosed by a circle.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Dec 7

A 3rd c. fresco from the catacomb of Praetextatus thought to be the earliest depiction of Jesus healing the woman with the flow of blood (Mk 5:25-34). Jesus is the fragmentary figure on the right. The woman can be seen in the background reaching out to touch his robe. (Wilpert watercolor)

fresco depicting three male figures standing. the one on the right is cut off at the waist. behind them a crouched figure on the ground reaches out an arm to touch the figure on the right.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Nov 23

Fresco from the Vigna Massimo catacomb showing scenes from the Jonah cycle and Moses striking the rock. (Joseph Wilpert watercolor)

From left to right: a large serpent like creature spits out a man (Jonah) who is then shown in the next scene as resting beneath a gourd plant (which ooks more like a pergola); on the right a man in a pallium strikes a rock with a rod and water gushes out.

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety· Nov 12

Planning to participate in the 2025 Annual Meeting of the North American Patristics Society (NAPS)? Consider submitting an abstract for the *online* session we are sponsoring: "Useful and Personal Objects as Evidence for Early Christian Belief" CFP below Submit by 11/18 here: t.co/ZdrTzWNRWw