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During the building of an apartment house on the Via Latina in Rome in 1955 a small Christian catacomb was brought to light, a chance archaeological discovery that turned out to be a startling revelation. The architectural form and painted decoration of the catacomb were much remarked, they were exceptionally lavish. Most catacombs were expanded according to need, and only a few, such as the catacomb of the Via Latina, were apparently conceived from the start as a formal arrangement of carefully excavated spaces.
The photo shows a view of part of the anonymous catacomb on the Via Latina (Via Dino Compagni). The rich decorative and architectural furnishings of this complex indicate patrons with considerable financial influence. Both Christian and pagan themes are represented in the decorative program, but all the representations are of an extremely high artistic standard.
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