‘The Fisherman’s Tomb’: The Truth Behind the Great Search for the Apostle Peter

CNS News ^ | 4-12-18 | John O'Neill

[afraidfortherepublic]

Deep under the Vatican lies one of the world’s greatest archaeological and religious wonders. It is almost unknown to the public, and was recently opened on a very limited basis to a few carefully vetted people each day as the so-called, “Scavi Tour.” The tour is often called the, “Hottest Ticket in Rome.”

Beginning 75 years ago, the Vatican began a secret search for the tomb of the Apostle Peter, whom legend said was buried on Vatican Hill after his execution by the Roman Emperor, Nero, in 66 A.D. Peter was Christ’s most important lieutenant and, with Paul, one of the most important figures in early Christianity. Ultimately, after floods, cave-ins, and many twists and turns, the search found Peter’s relics, as well as a vast Roman necropolis of house-sized tombs and early first, second and third century inscriptions secretly carved on stone walls by early Christians. All of these had been covered for 1700 years since the construction of the original St. Peter’s in 330 A.D.

The discovery of Peter’s tomb and relics under St. Peter’s as Christian tradition predicted (but many naysayers denied) is obviously of very great importance to all Christians. The inscriptions on stone by persecuted early Christians, done secretly within a few hundred yards of the Emperor’s palace, are among the earliest Christian inscriptions in the world and reflect the same core Christian beliefs of Christ’s resurrection and redemption.

In addition, the secret Vatican dig uncovered many Roman family tombs – large structures covered with vivid mosaics and murals, which are among the best preserved Roman art in the world.

[afraidfortherepublic]

A few years ago there was a travelling exhibit that came to Milwaukee of artifacts from the Vatican and a reconstruction (model) of this tomb. Fascinating. In addition, I was 'gobsmacked' to learn that the search for this tomb was secretly financed by George Strake -- a name well known around Houston where I lived for 10 years previously. My sons received a very fine education at Strake Jesuit High School when we lived there and George Strake Jr. served Lt. Governor of Texas in the 1980s. Needless to say, I've ordered this book. All of the profits will be donated for the relief of Christians in the Middle East. The author, John O'Neill, is the same man who wrote the Swift Boat book.

[afraidfortherepublic]

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[Empireoftheatom48]

I was able to take the Scavi tour. It was fascinating, all the other burials pushed close to Peter’s surrounding his Tomb.

[afraidfortherepublic]

ping

[afraidfortherepublic]

I would love to do that.

[afraidfortherepublic]

FTA: The great search for the Apostle was secretly launched in 1939 after a workman fell twenty feet into the unknown world. It proceeded in absolute secrecy (anonymously financed by the Texas oilman, George Strake) using only hand tools, as St. Peter’s was surrounded by fascist black shirts and then Nazi troops. In 1950, word of the dig leaked. While a marker of Peter’s grave was discovered, there was still no Peter. The inscriptions seemed unreadable to the excavators.

One of the twentieth century’s greatest archaeologists, Margherita Guarducci, was brought into the project. Through many years of study, she was able to decipher the early inscriptions and through them, locate Peter’s remains – only a few inches from the direct center of St. Peter’s Basilica above. Extensive testing and forensic examination verified the remains of the first century, roughly 65-year-old man (who had been crucified upside-down by Nero) as Peter. Pope Francis then displayed the relics to a large crowd in St. Peter’s Square and proclaimed these as Peter in 2013, validating Guarducci’s work and the long search of 75 years.

[Empireoftheatom48]

Yes it was great, it was so cool to walk on the real Roman streets, beneath the Vatican.

[KeyLargo]

Never mind.

I thought you were referring to this guy.....

[sphinx]

For later

[plain talk]

Thanks for the info. Were you able to see the tomb of Peter and any of his remains?

[Empireoftheatom48]

If I recall well enough, this was in 83 time frame. The so called tomb is about what looks to be rectangular in shape 2’x1’, not very big. I don’t recall being able to see inside. A multitude of similar tombs are pushed around so as to get as close to Peter as possible. That is one of the reasons they believe it was Peter’s grave. I believe there was an inscription on one of the graves stating the Peter was nearby as well. This is what I remember although somewhat hazy, after 30 + years.

[Empireoftheatom48]

I’m sure that at the time I was there they had not removed the remains for study.

[plain talk]

Thanks!

[rmichaelj]

I was there a few years ago. At that time you had to write at least a month in advance a formal request to be allowed to join a tour into the site. When there you could see the tomb, but it had clear barriers between you and it for obvious reasons. Through an opening that was made you could see a bit of bone.

[plain talk]

Interesting. Thanks.

[Interesting Times]

Interesting article by John O’Neill.

[Empireoftheatom48]

As I recall we were in the military at the time and were in Rome visiting with our church group In Germany, our Parish priest was a good friend. He pulled us aside one day and told us to follow him and the next thing we knew we were on the tour. He had connections in the Vatican. It was great and an amazing tour. In 1979 I was able to see the Shroud of Turin. Great times.

[zot]

Thanks for the ping. Very interesting article. I’m glad to know John O’Neill is still active.

[zot]

Ping to a very interesting article.

[GreyFriar]

Thank you for the ping on this article