UndergroundMed · The Rediscovery of Catacombs between the 16th and 20th Century in the Mediterranean Basin

This project will trace the history of the rediscovery of ancient catacombs between the 16th and 20th centuries across the Mediterranean from a broad European perspective, through studies conducted on travel influx, exploration, archive and museum collections. Catacombs are a valuable and cultural evidence of the transition from Antiquity to the Middle Ages in the Mediterranean basin. However, there are currently no systematic analyses on their rediscovery, since in-depth investigations have only been carried out on a local scale. The study will fill this gap and maintain a strong interest in museum and collection history, which so far has been greatly underrepresented in research. No studies have focused on the role played by catacomb archaeology from a perspective that will assist in building a European common culture. UndergroundMed will trace the history of the rediscovery of catacombs by a vast number of scholars, explorers and others during the aforementioned periods. The research will focus on various countries, using a multi-disciplinary approach combining archaeological surveys, museum studies and archival investigations to highlight the impact of these rediscoveries in European culture and its scientific excellence. The project will open the door to debate in regard to the historical definition of a shared European identity in a borderless Europe. Moreover, it will define the roles that European scholars had on the creation of an international and multicultural research-network while travelling across the shores of the Mediterranean, in search for catacombs. Ultimately, the fellowship will greatly contribute towards the researchers academic career, through networks, research experience and dissemination activities within the host institution together with the selected secondment. The relevant transfer of knowledge with the host institution will also greatly contribute towards the researchers career progression.