Catacombs of antiquity, the first image of Mary in history

# The Catacombs of Priscilla: Rome’s Oldest Christian Cemetery## Introduction to the World’s Most Important Marian SiteThe Catacombs of Priscilla, located on the Via Salaria in Rome, comprise the oldest and most significant underground Christian funeral complex globally, renowned for its profound mariological importance. Excavated from the 2nd century and used until the 5th century, these catacombs house over forty thousand tombs spread across approximately thirteen kilometers of tunnels. The name derives from the Roman family Acii Glabriones, whose members, including the matron Priscilla, donated their land to the Christian community in Rome for funerary purposes. Tradition also associates this site with Priscilla mentioned by Saint Paul (Romans 16:3), a collaborator of the apostle.## Unique Marian Artifacts and Their SignificanceFor mariology, the Catacombs of Priscilla hold immense value due to their housing the world’s oldest known iconographic representation of Mary, known as the *Mater Domina* (2nd-3rd centuries). This ancient artwork predates all other surviving images of Mary by over a century. Discovered in the *Capella Greca*, the fresco depicts Mary seated with the Baby Jesus in her lap, while a male figure, likely Isaiah, points to a star, referencing the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 (“a virgin shall conceive”). This iconographic composition establishes an early connection between biblical typology and the historical person of Mary.### Dating and InterpretationExperts date the *Mater Domina* fresco to the late 2nd to early 3rd centuries. It combines three key elements: Mary’s frontal sitting position (a sign of authority in Roman art), Jesus’ blessing gesture, and a male figure pointing to a star. Scholars like André Grabar and Enrico Josi interpret the prophet as Isaiah and the star as the fulfillment of the messianic promise. This typological reading, seeing Mary as the embodiment of Isaiah’s *almah* (virgin), forms the basis for all subsequent Marian iconography.### The Significance of Prior Artistic ExpressionThe fact that this artistic expression precedes the formal dogmatic definition at the Council of Ephesus (431) is significant. It demonstrates that the early Christian community’s faith in Mary as the Mother of God predates its conciliar formulation. Thus, the Catacombs of Priscilla hold the distinction of being the oldest tangible evidence of this faith.## Other Notable Marian FrescosBeyond the *Mater Domina*, the catacombs preserve other significant frescoes with mariological themes:– **Annunciation:** A fresco depicting the Annunciation, considered the earliest known artistic representation of this biblical event, where the archangel Gabriel kneels before a seated Mary. The hierarchical arrangement and Gabriel’s gesture reflect Roman imperial art conventions, illustrating how early Christians adapted contemporary visual languages to convey their faith.– **Fractio Panis (Breaking of the Bread):** This fresco portrays a female figure presiding over a meal, interpreted by some as a reference to the community of believers gathering under Mary’s protection for Eucharistic celebrations. This interpretation foreshadows the doctrine developed by the Second Vatican Council in Lumen Gentium, Chapter VIII.## Further ExplorationDelve deeper into Mariology, Theology Mariana, Apparitions Marianas, and the Postgraduate Program in Mariology, as well as Angeology and Frequently Asked Questions on these topics.

Discover the oldest Marian image in the Catacomb of Priscilla.