The Catacombs of Rome

The Cradle of Christianity

Author: Thomas Schaefer

Length: 55'

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What was Christianity like in its very early days? How was Jesus seen? How was the Son of God depicted? What were the reasons for the triumphant march of Christianity? Was the Christian faith different in its early days than it is today? Answers to these questions can be found in the Catacombs of the Eternal City. The subterranean labyrinths of Rome contain the oldest Christian paintings. As no other building or church dating back to the first few centuries of the then young religion still exists, the Catacombs are a unique source for researchers. The images found there do not show Christ suffering, tortured and nailed to the cross. Rather, they depict a youthful, mostly beardless miracle-worker and speaker wearing the robes of a philosopher. This suggests that early Christianity was more oriented to people than it is today. Author Thomas Schaefer reveals the latest research into the origins of the catacombs. His report provides an insight into a project which is simulating one of the largest catacombs in a computerized 3D documentary.

year of production: 2008