Further radiocarbon dates from the catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome

Abstract

This paper reports a further chronological assessment of the Christian catacombs of Rome by radiocarbondated organic materials in the so-called Liberian region of the catacombs of St. Callixtus on the Appian Way. 14C dates of various types of organic material are discussed and related to ages derived from numismatic evidence and epigraphic remains. The results show that this area of the catacombs of St. Callixtus is older than assumed by previous scholarship. We therefore conclude that the appellation "Liberian region" is a misnomer. © 2007 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona.