ROME:ST.PETER'S prison found

Recent excavations under the Church of St. Joseph of the Carpenters at the foot of the Capitol hill in Rome appear to confirm the ancient tradition that this was the prison where St. Peter was held before his trial and execution in 67 AD.

A place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, the area under the church was believed to have been the site of the Roman Tullianum prison, where political prisoners were incarcerated. The name came from Servio Tullio, the sixth legendary king of Rome, although the Roman historian Livy claimed it was even older. Archaeologists now agree that it is the oldest Roman prison. Prior to that, in prehistoric times, it was a religious site, linked to the cult of water.

Experts are cautious, however, in asserting that the Apostle Peter was actually there and say it is unlikely that any proof will ever be found. As soon as excavation work is finished, the site will once more be open to the public, probably during the month of July 2010.

Posted on 05 Jul 2010 by Editor
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