A 1578 discovery of tombs in Rome has many people baffled. The tombs have the skeletons of Christian Martyrs who were considered saints because of their unwavering bravery and loyalty to their faith. The skeletons were called the Catacomb Saints. The skeletons also had jewelry, wigs, crowns and armor. They were displayed in many churches in order to remind people that riches await loyal Christians after they die.
Even though this may sound like a strange story and many people would have a hard time believing it, it is actually true.
Paul Koudounaris, who was an art historian, was very fascinated with the story of the saints. He traveled throughout Europe in order to find the status of every saint. He also wrote a book about the skeletons entitled “Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints.” The book explores the history and origin of the saints.
Paul also asks a few questions in the book. How did they die? Who are they? Who had them placed in the Catacombs? Why have they been laid in England’s religious houses so long and been forgotten about? Those are some of the questions that the author asks. Additionally, the book features pictures of the skeletons.