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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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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 if you are in the #Boston area!
t.co/4tlXs5o1mH
Beneath the streets of Ancient Rome, in the tunnels and crypts of the catacombs, Jews expressed their heritage and faith through unique cultural artifacts, using the artistic tools of their time to connect with their surroundings. In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork. We’ll also explore how the discovery, identification, and preservation of these artifacts have shaped our understanding of the Jewish community in Ancient Rome. Born and raised in Boston, Jessica Dello Russo went on to earn her doctorate in Archaeology from the Vatican's Institute for Christian Archaeology in 2022. She is the author of "A Jewish Archaeology: The Christian Discovery of Jewish Catacombs in Rome" (Brill, 2025), the book chapter, "Growing the Global Audience for the Jewish Catacombs of Italy" (UniOr Press, 2025), and other studies focused on the catacombs of Rome. Copies of many of these publications are available on the International Catacomb Society's website (www.catacombsociety.org).
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 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
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
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
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Join us on August 5th to hear our Shohet Scholars discuss their fascinating research from this past year. Register here: shorturl.at/ua6kE
July 10, 2025 at 2:05 AM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Mark Ellison, professor at Brigham Young University, will be documenting early depictions of the Vision of Isaiah in Christian liturgical art.
May 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Scholar @chancebonar.bsky.social will research how ancient slave revolts were both fueled and suppressed by religious practices and expressions, giving deeper insight into the religious lives of ancient enslaved persons.
May 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Caroline Johnson Hodge, professor at College of the Holy Cross, will be cataloguing burial sites in Rome related to the Christian cult of the dead. (Here she is in Ostia Antica!)
May 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Archeologist Mary Jane Cuyler will investigate evidence for the cult of the Roman goddess known as Bona Dea, including consideration of archeological remains, inscriptions, and archival records from past excavations in Ostia and Portus. (Here she is in Ostia!)
May 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
The ICS is co-sponsoring an online session at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the North American Patristics Society. Here's the lineup! Chaired by ICS president Arthur Urbano (@arturoviaggia@bsky.social)
February 16, 2025 at 1:43 AM
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Fresco from the #Catacombs of Callixtus probably depicting Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (Joseph Wilpert watercolor)

#archaeology #earlyChristian #art #Rome
a seated figure in the left upper corner holds either an open scroll or a cloth in both hands; below a woman places a bucket in a well, the water splashes out, and she looks behind her.
February 1, 2025 at 12:00 AM
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
A 3rd c. fresco from the catacomb of Praetextatus thought to be the earliest depiction of Jesus healing the woman with the flow of blood (Mk 5:25-34).

Jesus is the fragmentary figure on the right. The woman can be seen in the background reaching out to touch his robe. (Wilpert watercolor)
fresco depicting three male figures standing. the one on the right is cut off at the waist. behind them a crouched figure on the ground reaches out an arm to touch the figure on the right.
December 7, 2024 at 5:06 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Fresco from the Vigna Massimo catacomb showing scenes from the Jonah cycle and Moses striking the rock. (Joseph Wilpert watercolor)
From left to right: a large serpent like creature spits out a man (Jonah) who is then shown in the next scene as resting beneath a gourd plant (which ooks more like a pergola); on the right a man in a pallium strikes a rock with a rod and water gushes out.
November 23, 2024 at 9:11 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Planning to participate in the 2025 Annual Meeting of the North American Patristics Society (NAPS)?

Consider submitting an abstract for the *online* session we are sponsoring: "Useful and Personal Objects as Evidence for Early Christian Belief"

CFP below
Submit by 11/18 here: t.co/ZdrTzWNRWw
Useful and Personal Objects as Evidence for Early Christian Belief Organizer: Arthur Urbano (aurbano@providence.edu) For this special session sponsored by the International Catacomb Society, we seek papers that address the topic, "Useful and Personal Objects as Evidence for Early Christian Belief." Of particular interest are papers that focus on material culture and materiality from the first century through to the end of late antiquity. Suggested topics include the relationship between different personal objects within a domestic context, the personal use of liturgical objects from miniature gospel books to relics, experimental or post-processual archaeological approaches to material objects as agentic, or the relationship between patristic texts about the use of objects and the objects themselves. We seek scholarship that considers the manner in which objects facilitated, constructed, and illustrated the forms and dynamics of early Christian beliefs and practices.
November 12, 2024 at 12:20 AM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
We are now accepting applications for the 2025/26 Shohet Scholars Grants. Awards range from $2,000-$30,000. Projects need not focus on the catacombs but should be within the sphere of the Mediterranean world from the late Hellenistic to the late Roman periods. Deadline Jan 15.
flyer with images of catacomb frescoes of animals and a shepherd. Text: 2025-2026 SHOHET SCHOLARS GRANT PROGRAM FOR RESEARCH ON THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN The Shohet Scholars Grant Program of the International Catacomb Society is now accepting applications for the Shohet Scholars cohort of 2025-2026. Submission deadline is January 15, 2025. This annual grant program funds research on the Ancient Mediterranean from the Hellenistic Era to the Early Middle Ages. Projects need not focus on the catacombs. Shohet Scholars may do their research in the fields of archaeology, art history, classical studies, history, comparative religions, or related subjects. Of special interest are interdisciplinary projects that approach traditional topics from new perspectives. For further information and application forms, go to the ICS website: http://www.catacombsociety.org/ shohet-scholars/. Email questions to ShohetICS@gmail.com
November 10, 2024 at 6:06 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
An arcosolium tomb in the Catacomb of Praetextatus in #Rome. Inscriptions identify the sheep and wolves as symbols of Susanna and the elders. The figure on the right is labeled "Liberius", probably the bishop of Rome from 352 to 366. (Wilpert watercolor)

#catacombs #archaeology #EarlyChristianArt
Arch-shaped tomb with painted frescoes. Below a sheep stands between two agressive wolves on either side. On the right a male figure labeled as "Liberius" holds a scroll. On the left is a fragmentary image of another male figure, unidentifies. Painted garlands drape along the top of the tomb.
November 9, 2024 at 4:11 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Consider submitting an abstract for the *online* session the ICS is sponsoring at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the North American Patristics Society -- "Useful and Personal Objects as Evidence for Early Christian Belief"

CFP below
Submit by 11/18 here: forms.gle/eZD7MqEnzj6o...
October 12, 2024 at 5:31 PM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Catacomb art often incorporated painted architectural features that you might find in a villa or public building. Check out the faux marble revetment in this cubiculum in the Catacomb of Domitilla. (Joseph Wilpert watercolor)
Painted catacomb chamber. In the center an arched space (arcosolium) where a body would be laid to rest. Around it are images of people and plants and simple geometric designs. Below are painted panels meant to look like slabs of marble decorating the walls.
October 11, 2024 at 12:19 AM
catacombsociety.bsky.social
The International Catacomb Society mourns the loss of Patrick H. Alexander, former Society Board member and long-time friend.
text: The International Catacomb Society mourns the loss of Patrick H. Alexander, former Society Board member and long-time friend. Patrick was a former director and acquisitions editor for Penn State Press and passionate about the intersection of archeology, art history, and religious studies. Previously, Patrick had been a senior editor at Brill, Walter de Gruyter, and Hendrickson presses. Those of us who worked with Patrick will deeply miss his generous gifts of advice and unfailing support to the work of the Catacomb Society.
October 11, 2024 at 12:06 AM
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Detail of a portrait of a woman posed in the orant (prayer) position. From the Catacomb of Vigna Massimo. (Joseph Wilpert watercolor)

#catacombs #EarlyChristianity #art #Rome
October 2, 2024 at 11:49 PM