Relics of saint and holy people have always been an integral part of Christianity.

But when the Protestant Revolution gripped Europe in the early 16th century, thousands of these relics were destroyed.

But where were they going to find more dead saints?

Catacomb Saints

A chance discovery in Rome provided the answer.

Further investigation revealed several more subterranean cemeteries decked with thousands of skeletons.

Soon, bones from the catacombs began to trickle northward as churches sought to replace what was lost.

Catacomb Saints

These unknown Christian martyrs became known as theKatakombenheiligen,or the Catacomb Saints.

Photo: Paul Koudounaris

The Council of Trent required that all relics must be officially authenticated.

Most of these skeletons or parts of it, made their way to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Catacomb Saints

Every Catholic church, big or small, got hold of a couple of bones.

Even wealthy families sought them for their private chapels.

Guilds and fraternities pooled their resources to buy a martyr.

Catacomb Saints

Some catacomb saints wore wax masks over their brittle skulls.

Others feature glass eyes or eye sockets beset with jewels.

Today, only a handful of Catacomb Saints survive in their original state.

Catacomb Saints

Catacomb Saints

Catacomb Saints