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International Catacomb Society
@catacombsociety.bsky.social
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Bridging Disciplines • Supporting Scholarship • Connecting the Public at catacombsociety.org.
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International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety.bsky.social · 5d
We are organizing an online session for the 2026 annual meeting of the North American Patristics Society: "Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity".

Proposal deadline is Nov. 19.

www.patristics.org/annual-meeti...
Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity (online) Organizers: Arthur Urbano (aurbano@providence.edu) & Robin Jensen (robinmjensen@gmail.com) For this online session organized by the International Catacomb Society, we are seeking papers that address the theme “Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity”. Garments were a defining aspect of Roman society, serving as markers of status, gender, ethnicity, profession, and so on, part of what Terence Turner coined as “the social skin.” The curation and adornment of the body were not necessarily personal choices, but determined by custom, and sometimes mandated by law, locating individuals within a complex of social categories. But garments are not limited to material forms. They can also be verbalized as text, appearing in literary sources as conveyors of meaning, in the form of metaphor, allegory, or symbol. They also appear visualized in art, not simply displaying what actual garments looked like, but part of the code of the overall composition, contributing to the image’s meaning. Early Christians both subscribed to and challenged the sartorial norms of Roman society and produced material, verbal, and visual garments that created and conveyed meaning. For this session we are looking for papers that specifically address meaning-making through material, textual, and/or visual clothing in Early Christian contexts. This could include textiles with embroidered images, or other material remains; allegorical exegesis of biblical garments, or symbolic interpretations of ascetic or episcopal garments; or, interpretations of garments as represented in catacomb frescoes, or on sarcophagi, or in the mosaics of churches. Alternatively, the complex messaging in garments adorned with both Christian and traditional iconography, such as Dionysian imagery, presents another lens through which to explore the “social skin” of Early Christianity.
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
jedwardwalters.bsky.social
It’s really too bad that I have so many things I need to do today, because all I want to do is sit and read this new book by @maiakotro.bsky.social
Picture of the cover of “After Transformation: A Lyrical History of Late Antiquity” by Maia Kotrosits
November 8, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We are organizing an online session for the 2026 annual meeting of the North American Patristics Society: "Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity".

Proposal deadline is Nov. 19.

www.patristics.org/annual-meeti...
Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity (online) Organizers: Arthur Urbano (aurbano@providence.edu) & Robin Jensen (robinmjensen@gmail.com) For this online session organized by the International Catacomb Society, we are seeking papers that address the theme “Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity”. Garments were a defining aspect of Roman society, serving as markers of status, gender, ethnicity, profession, and so on, part of what Terence Turner coined as “the social skin.” The curation and adornment of the body were not necessarily personal choices, but determined by custom, and sometimes mandated by law, locating individuals within a complex of social categories. But garments are not limited to material forms. They can also be verbalized as text, appearing in literary sources as conveyors of meaning, in the form of metaphor, allegory, or symbol. They also appear visualized in art, not simply displaying what actual garments looked like, but part of the code of the overall composition, contributing to the image’s meaning. Early Christians both subscribed to and challenged the sartorial norms of Roman society and produced material, verbal, and visual garments that created and conveyed meaning. For this session we are looking for papers that specifically address meaning-making through material, textual, and/or visual clothing in Early Christian contexts. This could include textiles with embroidered images, or other material remains; allegorical exegesis of biblical garments, or symbolic interpretations of ascetic or episcopal garments; or, interpretations of garments as represented in catacomb frescoes, or on sarcophagi, or in the mosaics of churches. Alternatively, the complex messaging in garments adorned with both Christian and traditional iconography, such as Dionysian imagery, presents another lens through which to explore the “social skin” of Early Christianity.
November 5, 2025 at 4:19 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars Grant for research on the Ancient Mediterranean! Awards range from $2,000-$30,000.

Deadline is Feburary 1, 2026.

More information: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-schol...
2026-2027 SHOHET SCHOLARS GRANT FOR RESEARCH ON THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN The Shohet Scholars Grant of the International Catacomb Society is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars cohort. Awards up to $30,000. Submission deadline is February 1, 2026. This annual grant program funds research on the Ancient Mediterranean. Projects need not focus on the catacombs. Shohet Scholars may do their research in archaeology, art history, classical studies, history, comparative religions, or related subjects. We welcome interdisciplinary projects that approach traditional topics from new perspectives. For further information and to apply go to the ICS website: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-scholars/. Email questions to ShohetICS@gmail.com Image of fresco of a bird and a shepherd with a sheep over his shoulders. Paintings from the Catacombs of Domatilla in Rome.
November 7, 2025 at 10:47 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We are organizing an online session for the 2026 annual meeting of the North American Patristics Society: "Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity".

Proposal deadline is Nov. 19.

www.patristics.org/annual-meeti...
Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity (online) Organizers: Arthur Urbano (aurbano@providence.edu) & Robin Jensen (robinmjensen@gmail.com) For this online session organized by the International Catacomb Society, we are seeking papers that address the theme “Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity”. Garments were a defining aspect of Roman society, serving as markers of status, gender, ethnicity, profession, and so on, part of what Terence Turner coined as “the social skin.” The curation and adornment of the body were not necessarily personal choices, but determined by custom, and sometimes mandated by law, locating individuals within a complex of social categories. But garments are not limited to material forms. They can also be verbalized as text, appearing in literary sources as conveyors of meaning, in the form of metaphor, allegory, or symbol. They also appear visualized in art, not simply displaying what actual garments looked like, but part of the code of the overall composition, contributing to the image’s meaning. Early Christians both subscribed to and challenged the sartorial norms of Roman society and produced material, verbal, and visual garments that created and conveyed meaning. For this session we are looking for papers that specifically address meaning-making through material, textual, and/or visual clothing in Early Christian contexts. This could include textiles with embroidered images, or other material remains; allegorical exegesis of biblical garments, or symbolic interpretations of ascetic or episcopal garments; or, interpretations of garments as represented in catacomb frescoes, or on sarcophagi, or in the mosaics of churches. Alternatively, the complex messaging in garments adorned with both Christian and traditional iconography, such as Dionysian imagery, presents another lens through which to explore the “social skin” of Early Christianity.
November 5, 2025 at 4:19 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Conference: I Sarcofagi paleocristiani romani: nuovi studi, nuovi approcci / Roman Early Christian Sarcophagi: New studies, new approaches DAI Roma - Musei Vaticani

Nov 6-7. In person and online

www.academia.edu/143216180/I_...
November 5, 2025 at 2:53 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Join us on Thursday!
catacombsociety.bsky.social International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety.bsky.social · Oct 11
We have partnered with Lehrhaus in Somerville, MA to bring you an exciting class taught by Dr. Jessica Dello Russo on 10/30 at 6pm: "Whispers from the #Catacombs: Discovering Jewish Culture Under Ancient #Rome"

Registration required: t.co/4tlXs5o1mH
photo of Dr. Dello Russo in an underground excavation. "Whispers from the Catacombs...etc." Thursday, October 20, 6pm In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork.
October 28, 2025 at 12:22 AM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Register now to hear one of the leading experts on the Jewish catacombs!
catacombsociety.bsky.social International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety.bsky.social · Oct 11
We have partnered with Lehrhaus in Somerville, MA to bring you an exciting class taught by Dr. Jessica Dello Russo on 10/30 at 6pm: "Whispers from the #Catacombs: Discovering Jewish Culture Under Ancient #Rome"

Registration required: t.co/4tlXs5o1mH
photo of Dr. Dello Russo in an underground excavation. "Whispers from the Catacombs...etc." Thursday, October 20, 6pm In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork.
October 25, 2025 at 9:01 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
A productive meeting of the ICS Board of Directors this week! The call for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars Grant for research on the Ancient Mediterranean will be published soon. Keep an eye out!

More info: www.catacombsociety.org/program/
Program – International Catacomb Society
www.catacombsociety.org
October 22, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
arturoviaggia.bsky.social
In the Boston area? Check out Jessica's talk. She is one of the leading experts on Jews and archaeology in Rome. Her new book "A Jewish Archaeology: The Christian Discovery of Jewish Catacombs in Rome" (Brill, 2025) is out now!
catacombsociety.bsky.social International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety.bsky.social · Oct 11
We have partnered with Lehrhaus in Somerville, MA to bring you an exciting class taught by Dr. Jessica Dello Russo on 10/30 at 6pm: "Whispers from the #Catacombs: Discovering Jewish Culture Under Ancient #Rome"

Registration required: t.co/4tlXs5o1mH
photo of Dr. Dello Russo in an underground excavation. "Whispers from the Catacombs...etc." Thursday, October 20, 6pm In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork.
October 11, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
historianca.bsky.social
I will be the Glücksfee (German word of the day) who gets to the draw the lucky winner!
chancebonar.bsky.social Dr. Chance Bonar @chancebonar.bsky.social · 26d
God, Slavery, and Early Christianity is out in the real world with @universitypress.cambridge.org!

I have some extra, so retweet this by the end of Oct. 19 if you’re interested in receiving a copy!

Book info here: www.cambridge.org/core/books/g...
October 16, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
catacombsociety.bsky.social
welcome and attn: new followers! 👇
catacombsociety.bsky.social International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety.bsky.social · Sep 11
Visit our website and become a member. Members have access to our online image database DAPICS and receive invitations to all ICS programs and events.
catacombsociety.org
International Catacomb Society – Bridging Disciplines • Supporting Scholarship • Connecting the Public
catacombsociety.org
August 14, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Love catacombs and ancient Mediterranean material culture? Oraganized, and good with numbers? We are looking for a new Treasurer and Board member. See announcement below.
Seeking Treasurer for the International Catacomb Society The International Catacomb Society is in search of a new Treasurer, who would also serve on the Board. We are hoping to fill the position with someone who shares an enthusiasm for the work that ICS supports. While some experience with bookkeeping is a plus, we are open to the right person, regardless of prior experience. The Treasurer oversees the distribution of our annual grants, helps prepare the annual budget, and manages some regular monthly expenses. The position also Chairs the Finance Committee annual and mid year meeting. It is a vital position that gives one direct access into the Society, and comes with significant support from the Board and team, including our business manager, our financial advisor, our accountant, and the ongoing guidance of two past Treasurers who remain on the Board. This is a volunteer position. If you are interested in the role, or have questions, please be in touch with ICS Business Manager Shira Telushkin, at internationalcatacombsociety@gmail.com. This would be a real service to the community and, we hope, interesting and meaningful work for the right candidate. Please feel free to share widely within your own networks, as well.
September 20, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We appreciate your patience as the ICS website undergoes planned maintenance that may temporarily interrupt access to some users, depending on region and internet provider. Interruptions may last up to 10 days, until 10/17/25.

www.catacombsociety.org
October 9, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We have partnered with Lehrhaus in Somerville, MA to bring you an exciting class taught by Dr. Jessica Dello Russo on 10/30 at 6pm: "Whispers from the #Catacombs: Discovering Jewish Culture Under Ancient #Rome"

Registration required: t.co/4tlXs5o1mH
photo of Dr. Dello Russo in an underground excavation. "Whispers from the Catacombs...etc." Thursday, October 20, 6pm In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork.
October 11, 2025 at 7:58 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We have partnered with Lehrhaus in Somerville, MA to bring you an exciting class taught by Dr. Jessica Dello Russo on 10/30 at 6pm: "Whispers from the #Catacombs: Discovering Jewish Culture Under Ancient #Rome"

Registration required: t.co/4tlXs5o1mH
photo of Dr. Dello Russo in an underground excavation. "Whispers from the Catacombs...etc." Thursday, October 20, 6pm In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork.
October 11, 2025 at 7:58 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We appreciate your patience as the ICS website undergoes planned maintenance that may temporarily interrupt access to some users, depending on region and internet provider. Interruptions may last up to 10 days, until 10/17/25.

www.catacombsociety.org
October 9, 2025 at 1:01 AM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We will be organizing an ONLINE session for the 2026 annual meeting of the North American Patristics Society in Chicago -- "Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity." We'd love to consider your proposal!

CfP opens on October 15.
Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity For this online session organized by the International Catacomb Society, we are seeking papers that address the theme “Clothing and Meaning-Making in Early Christianity”. Garments were a defining aspect of Roman society, serving as markers of status, gender, ethnicity, profession, and so on, part of what Terence Turner coined as “the social skin.” The curation and adornment of the body were not necessarily personal choices, but determined by custom, and sometimes mandated by law, locating individuals within a complex of social categories. But garments are not limited to material forms. They can also be verbalized as text, appearing in literary sources as conveyors of meaning, in the form of metaphor, allegory, or symbol. They also appear visualized in art, not simply displaying what actual garments looked like, but part of the code of the overall composition, contributing to the image’s meaning. Early Christians both subscribed to and challenged the sartorial norms of Roman society and produced material, verbal, and visual garments that created and conveyed meaning. For this session we are looking for papers that specifically address meaning-making through material, textual, and/or visual clothing in Early Christian contexts. This could include textiles with embroidered images, or other material remains; allegorical exegesis of biblical garments, or symbolic interpretations of ascetic or episcopal garments; or, interpretations of garments as represented in catacomb frescoes, or on sarcophagi, or in the mosaics of churches. Alternatively, the complex messaging in garments adorned with both Christian and traditional iconography, such as Dionysian imagery, presents another lens through which to explore the "social skin" of Early Christianity.
September 30, 2025 at 11:26 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Subscribe to the newletter of the Pontifical Institute of Christian #Archaeology (PIAC) in #Rome

www.piac.it/news/1757680...
Iscriviti alla nostra Newsletter
Per ricevere le notizie su novità, eventi, congressi, conferenze, ecc. iscriviti alla nostra newsletter.
www.piac.it
September 26, 2025 at 1:58 AM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Giornate di studio in ricordo di Hugo Brandenburg www.piac.it/eventi/giorn...
Giornate di studio in ricordo di Hugo Brandenburg
Il Pontificio Istituto di Archeologia Cristiana e l'Istituto Archeologico Germanico di Roma invitano a due giornate di studio sulle ultime ricerche e novità sulle chiese paleocristiane di Roma.
www.piac.it
September 26, 2025 at 1:56 AM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Love catacombs and ancient Mediterranean material culture? Oraganized, and good with numbers? We are looking for a new Treasurer and Board member. See announcement below.
Seeking Treasurer for the International Catacomb Society The International Catacomb Society is in search of a new Treasurer, who would also serve on the Board. We are hoping to fill the position with someone who shares an enthusiasm for the work that ICS supports. While some experience with bookkeeping is a plus, we are open to the right person, regardless of prior experience. The Treasurer oversees the distribution of our annual grants, helps prepare the annual budget, and manages some regular monthly expenses. The position also Chairs the Finance Committee annual and mid year meeting. It is a vital position that gives one direct access into the Society, and comes with significant support from the Board and team, including our business manager, our financial advisor, our accountant, and the ongoing guidance of two past Treasurers who remain on the Board. This is a volunteer position. If you are interested in the role, or have questions, please be in touch with ICS Business Manager Shira Telushkin, at internationalcatacombsociety@gmail.com. This would be a real service to the community and, we hope, interesting and meaningful work for the right candidate. Please feel free to share widely within your own networks, as well.
September 20, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Fresco of the good shepherd from the Crypt of Lucina, one of the oldest sections of the #catacombs of Callixtus in #Rome. Early third century. (Wilpert water color)

#archaeology #EarlyChristianity #art #antiquity
Fresco of a young man holding a sheep around his neck and a staff and pot in one hand. Two sheep stand on either side of him. He is enclosed by a circle.
December 21, 2024 at 11:36 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
If you'll be in #Rome in December, check out the special opening for visits to the Jewish #catacombs of Vigna Randanini!
August 20, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Reposted by International Catacomb Society
apocalypsenow5.bsky.social
I read the RBL review of _Judeophobia and the NT_ about 3 times to make sure I didn’t overlook an incisive critique of something we got wrong. But each time, all I found was a kind, complimentary reflection 🥹 Deepest thanks to Paula Fredriksen for this review—and to the many contributors! ❤️
August 17, 2025 at 6:36 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Vault fresco from the #catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus with the Good Shepherd figure at the center and biblical scenes in the round including Noah in the ark, the Baptism of Christ, Daniel with lions, and the Raising of Lazarus. Birds and gazelles, too!

(Joseph Wilpert water color)
August 17, 2025 at 7:08 PM