Life and Thoughts of The One Ocean

St Paul's tomb unearthed

Archaeologists have unearthed what they believe to be the tomb of St Paul the Apostle.

The sarcophagus dates back to at least AD390 and was found in a crypt under a basilica in Rome.

Vatican archaeologists made the discovery during excavation work at St Paul's Outside the Walls, reports the BBC.

It had long been thought the cathedral crypt contained the tomb of St Paul hidden underneath the altar.

The sarcophagus will be on public view for the foreseeable future. The original inscription on the top reads: Paolo Apostolo Martyr - Latin for 'Paul Apostle Martyr'.

The holes through which the ancient pilgrims would have pushed pieces of cloth to touch the relic are clearly visible.

"What we can see at the moment through a grating, a new grating that's been put there, is the side of the sarcophagus of Paul which seems to be white marble-like material," said Father Edmund Power.

Excavations at the site began in 2002 and were completed last month.

St Paul travelled widely through Asia Minor, Greece and Rome in the 1st Century. He is said to have been beheaded in AD65 by the Roman Emperor Nero.

posted by The One Ocean @ 12/08/2006 07:32:00 PM