Rebekah Junkermeier (2010-2011)

Exploring ancient Roman catacombs, cataloguing archaeological artifacts, meeting with Italian archaeologists, and gaining teaching experience: these are just some of the things I had the opportunity to do this year while affiliated with the American Institute for Roman Culture (AIRC). After completing my Master’s degree in Early Christianity at Harvard Divinity School last May, I arrived in Rome in September on the James B. Reynolds Foreign Study grant. My research project focused on the catacombs of Rome: more specifically, cataloguing the funerary inscriptions of sub-elite burials in order to examine the role of gender and status in commemoration and religious expression. The goal of the project was to create a catalogue of these sub-elite funerary inscriptions, as well as an article to submit for publication in an academic journal. In addition, I was able to study archaeology, the history of ancient Rome, and ancient Roman religion and daily life.

In September and October I learned first-hand about archaeological excavations and artifacts by helping catalogue the archaeological finds from AIRC’s excavations at Villa delle Vignacce in the southeast part of the city. I assisted Italian archaeologist Sara Palma in organizing, cataloguing, and photographing the various finds, learning about brick stamps, different types of marble, ancient Roman glass, and pottery unearthed during the dig. Simultaneously, I visited five catacombs (Sant’Agnese, Priscilla, San Sebastiano, Callisto, and Domitilla) to examine the burials and inscriptions of the less affluent part of the ancient population. With the support of AIRC, I was able to gain access to the libraries of the American Academy in Rome and the German Archaeological Institute to research and catalogue the inscriptions I was examining in the catacombs.

AIRC also put me in touch with Ilenia Gradante, an Italian archaeologist who excavates catacombs in Syracuse, Sicily, with whom I was able to discuss my work. Together we examined the basilica of San Paulo fuori le Mura and its nearby hypogeum and the basilica of Sant’Agnese and the nearby mausoleum of Constantia, daughter of the emperor Constantine. These visits and conversations and my independent research contextualized the catacombs and burials I was investigating

At AIRC’s inaugural “Unlisted” conference, which focused on archaeological sites not designated as UNESCO world heritage sites, I learned more about archaeology and preservation. Speakers from around the world, including Dr. Lorenzo Casini from Rome’s “La Sapienza” University and Dr. Larry Coben from the Sustainable Preservation Initiative in New York City, discussed the ways that these smaller sites could both be preserved for posterity and used to teach about history and ancient culture.

Lastly, I had the opportunity to serve as a teaching assistant for AIRC’s Maymester program in Roman history and archaeology for students from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. We trekked around the city, examining archaeological remains dating as far back as the 8^th century BC and learning about and seeing the transformation of the city through the 6^th century AD. Interacting with the students and observing the AIRC faculty provided me with invaluable teaching experience.

Through all of this, my research on the catacombs continued, and I narrowed the focus of my project to the sub-elite burials of Region IV of the catacombs of Sant’Agnese, located on the Via Nomentana in the northeast part of Rome. This region of the catacombs, dated to the 4^th century AD, was the last part of the complex to be created during the construction of the massive funerary basilica of Constantia. I found several burials in Region IV that featured particularly interesting inscriptions and symbols, suggesting that the Christians buried here also believed in, and took part in, apotropaic rituals! Currently, I am finishing my article and catalogue of these burials in Region IV of the catacombs of Sant’Agnese. Descending into the catacombs, examining the ruins of the Imperial Fora, walking on ancient Roman roads—all of this has provided me with an unparalleled hands-on experience in ancient Roman religion and history thanks to AIRC.