The oldest known images of the Saints John, Paul, Andrew and Peter have been found in a catacomb near St Paul’s Basilica in Rome
Jim over at Zwinglius posted about this yesterday and today this news is everywhere.
Here’s what Jim said:
The Associated Press reports
The earliest known icons of the Apostles Peter and Paul have been discovered in a catacomb located under a modern office building in a residential neighborhood of Rome. Restorers said Tuesday they had unearthed the 4th-century images using a new laser technique that allowed them to burn off centuries of white calcium deposits without damaging the dark colors of the original paintings underneath. The paintings adorn what is believed to be the tomb of a Roman noblewoman and represent some of the earliest evidence of devotion to the apostles in early Christianity.
Sadly the report includes no photos. If anyone happens upon some, please let me know.
UPDATE: It’s the same bit that was reported last year, according to our man on the ground in Rome, Antonio Lombatti. Another warmed over for who knows what reason story.
(from La Stampa today)
And from Il Messagerro last year
And here are some links:
Christian Today – Oldest-known paintings of Apostles Andrew and John uncovered
National Post – Oldest images of Christ’s apostles found in Rome
Telegraph – Earliest known images of apostles discovered under Rome streets
Catholic News Agency – Oldest known paintings of Christian apostles rediscovered in Roman catacombs
Christian Post – Oldest-Known Paintings of Apostles Andrew, John Uncovered
The Church of Jesus Christ – 4th Century Renderings of John and Andrew found in Italy
Tags: Christianity, Church Life, News