Theft of ancient tombs was rampant during the tumultuous Middle Ages—the Neapolitans became protective of their sundry holy possessions after the catacombs of Saint Januarius, Naples’ most important saint, were robbed of their patron’s relics in the 9th century by the prince of rival city Benevento. After this, the neighboring Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus were sealed within the walls of the city and slowly forgotten. Finally, the preserved reamins were displayed along the walls of the catacombs. Burial in the head-lined tomb complex was so coveted that one of the frescos’ painters, Giovanni Balducci, refused payment for his work, accepting instead burial alongside the aristocracy in the catacombs. Until recently very few knew of the catacombs’ hidden existence in the bustling working class Sanità neighborhood.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 16, 2018 15:00 UTC