Via Appia

The beginning of the Via Appia that runs from Rome to Brindisi in Puglia.  The Via Appia was begun in 312 BC and finished in 264 BC.  It is named after its founder, censor Appius Claudius.

Roman law required that people be buried outside the wall of the city.  It is thus that rich people built opulent buildings solely for the dead.  The above is an example of such a tomb.

Many Christians, rich and poor, were buried below ground –way below ground in catacombs.  This building is part of the Catacomba di San Callisto complex.  Sorry, no pictures of the catacombs as they are not allowed.

The via Appia Antica near Rome now consists of tomb ruins, church owned catacombs and very nice homes.

Church of San Sebastiano & catacombs

Capo di Bovi, 2nd century AD

The via Appia, itself

Pictures by Tom Aprille ( tomaprille@quartomese.com )                                                                   

                                                                                             Return