Arcosolium

/ˌɑːrkoʊˈsoʊliəm/ noun

Definition

An arched recess or burial niche in the wall of early Christian catacombs and underground tombs, used for placing the deceased.

Etymology

From Latin 'arcus' (arch) + 'solium' (seat, throne, burial chamber); a singular technical term from archaeology describing the distinctive arch-topped burial features found in Roman catacombs.

Kelly Says

Early Christians used arcosolia in catacombs as a space-efficient way to bury people—each body would be placed in its own arched niche along the walls, creating underground cities of the dead with incredible architecture.

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