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Handout #7 |
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The tombs of Peter Paul in Rome |
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They say that in the reign of Nero Paul was beheaded at Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified, and this story is confirmed by the association of the names of Peter and Paul with the cemeteries there, which has lasted to this day. That is also affirmed by a churchman called Gaius, who lived in the time of Zephyrinus (199-217 A.D.), Bishop of the Romans. When discoursing in writing with Proclus, the head of the sect of the Phrygians, Gaius in fact said this of the places where the sacred tabernacles of the said apostles were laid: 'But I myself can point out the trophies of the apostles. For if it is your will to go to the Vatican or to the Ostian way, you will find the trophies of those who founded the church.' Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History, II, 25,5-7. |
