8. Divisions of the Calvary Cemetery Correspond With Ancient Roman Catacombs

Calvary Cemetery is comprised of four major sections: the First (Old), Second, Third and Fourth Divisions, formally known as the Divisions of St. Callixtus, St. Agnes, St. Sebastian and St. Domitilla. Each name corresponds to one of forty or so ancient Roman catacombs, some of which date back to the second century A.D. In response to the shortage of land in Rome, these underground cemeteries were used by Hebrews and early Christians to bury their dead; they are now accessible to the public.