Arcosolia

/ˌɑːrkoʊˈsoʊliə/ noun

Definition

Plural of 'arcosolium'; arched recesses or burial niches in the walls of early Christian catacombs and tombs.

Etymology

From Latin 'arcus' (arch) + 'solium' (seat/burial niche); the plural form describing multiple arch-topped burial chambers in Roman and early Christian underground burial sites.

Kelly Says

In Roman catacombs, arcosolia are those spooky-but-beautiful arched burial recesses in the walls—it's architecture designed specifically for honoring the dead, and you can still see them in Rome today.

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