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St Paul's remains in Rome

8th December 2006

Archaeologists believe that a stone coffin unearthed in a basilica in Rome contains the remains of St Paul. Experts long suspected that the St Paul's Outside the Walls Cathedral held the apostle's remains, but the church's altar had until now prevented any discoveries from being made.

Excavations of the altar unearthed the ancient tomb, which is at least 1,600 years old, and visitors to the site can now view the sarcophagus for the first time. Originally discovered three years ago, archaeologists kept their findings under wraps until they had time to examine the artefact.

The coffin bears the inscription Paulo Apostolo Mart, meaning Paul Apostle Martyr. Also visible are the holes through which ancient pilgrims pushed cloth in order to touch the relic.

St Paul is thought to have been beheaded on Emperor Nero's orders in 65AD. The basilica which takes his name is the second largest in Rome, and has stood since 386 AD.

The news comes just weeks after the unveiling of a separate 2,000-year-old burial ground in Rome's Vatican City.

The sarcophagus itself has not been opened, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of doing so in the future. But even in its current state, the tomb gives visitors a captivating insight into one of history's most famous figures.

© Adfero Ltd

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