Posted on 06/25/2010 9:48:55 AM PDT by Palter
Archaeologists have discovered evidence to support the theory that St Peter was imprisoned in an underground dungeon by Nero before being crucified.
The Mamertine Prison, a dingy complex that now lies beneath a Renaissance church, has long been venerated as the place where the apostle was shackled before he was killed on the spot where the Vatican now stands.
It has been a place of Christian worship since medieval times, but after months of excavations, Italian archaeologists have found frescoes and other evidence indicating that it was associated with St Peter in the seventh century.
Dr Patrizia Fortini, of Rome's department of archaeology, said: "It was converted from being a prison into a focus of cult-like worship of St Peter by the seventh century at the latest, maybe earlier.
"It was a very rapid transformation. We think that by the eighth century, it was being used as a church. It would have been wonderful to find a document with his [St Peter's] name on it, but of course that was always going to be extremely unlikely."
St Peter and St Paul are said to have been incarcerated in the jail by the Emperor Nero.
The two saints are said to have caused an underground spring to miraculously rise up from the ground so that they could baptise their guards and fellow prisoners.
Peter was crucified, upside down, in 64. He was buried on the hill on which, 250 years later, Constantine built the first Basilica of St Peter.
The hellish prison in which the founder of the Roman Church supposedly spent his final days consisted of two levels of cells, one on top of each other.
(Excerpt) Read more at canada.com ...
But, I thought since the Bible never says that St. Peter was in Rome and died a martyr’s death there, it didn’t really happen. I thought this was just a fairy tale told by Catholics to justify the primacy of Rome.
Interesting Claud,
Thanks for the input.
Don’t think they’ll top a hill for me when I’m gone.
You’re right, I doubt that would be allowed today! :)
Yeah, historians’ disease...I’m definitely a sufferer. There’s a great book, something like “The Search for St. Peter’s Bones” which goes into this all in detail. It’s utterly fascinating.
Heh heh...you never know—I’m sure a certain Galilean fisherman didn’t. In any case, the good Lord loves us, and that is better than all the accolades the world can give.
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(pic-chures...I need pic-chures!) lol :)
Interesting about Abp Dolan’s book. When was it written? I’ll have to look for it.
There is not any need at all to pray to St. Peter. Our one and only mediator is The LORD Jesus Christ. We need no other. Jesus Himself, the One who died for us, beckons us with nothing but love and we need not be afraid but to come personally unto Him.
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Jhn 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Hbr 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1Ti 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Hbr 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The one I have was published in 2008. It is publiched by Our Sunday Visitor and they do have a website www.osv.com or go to www.ewtn.com as I am pretty sure they may have it too. I got it in a Catholic bookstore here.
:’)
Where in Rome was the Mamertime prison located?
It still exist . I have been there twice. It’s right outside the Roman Forumn on the northern end. Very creepy inside .
It still exist . I have been there twice. It’s right outside the Roman Forumn on the northern end. Very creepy inside .
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