The Bones of St Peter

A fascinating account of the search for the the final resting place of the first Pope's body. Combined with photographs and diagrams, the author's easy-to-read text reveals a truly interesting, and entertaining even, search.

I have taken a "Scavi" (excavation) tour of the necropolis under Saint Peter's basilica. Relatively few tourists are afforded this pleasure, some might say "grace," but it is one of the most staggering experiences of my life, and was over much too quickly. To tread the very soil that was Vatican Hill 2000 years ago was a privilege and awe-inspiring. But once the tour is over, the begin to arise. Just what did I se? How do we know that this is Saint Peter's very tomb? Walsh's book answers many of these questions, and more. Through the book, you will learn the history of the internment of Saint Peter, or at least what can be gleaned from the evidence. From a poorly-marked 1st-century criminal's grave to a 2nd-century "trophy" or victory marker, to a more ornate altar structure once Christianity was legalized, the location of Saint Peter's purported Have been tracked with some care since his martyr's death circa 64 AD. The first basilica, raised in the 4th century over the site, filled in the Roman necropolis where he lay, sealing off the site for centuries. By the time this crumbling structure was razed and the current St. Peter's was built in the 16th century, the existence of St. Peter's tomb seemed little more than a legend. Walsh details the refinding of the necropolis in the late 1930s, and the digging that eventually uncovered the tomb and St. Peter's remains. Walsh is at his most fascinating when describing the attempts of Professor Margherita Guarducci to decipher the graffiti scratched into a wall near the tomb. By carefully noting how certain letters ere written, written over, and connected with lines, she could unravel the accumulated messages left by pilgrims of the first centuries of the Christian Church. She identified several occurrences of graffiti in which the letter P was drawn with an E emerging from its upright -- representing both the first letters of Peter (Latin, "Petrus") and also resembling the key to the kingdom entrusted to him by the Lord. A fascinating and informative look at a little known, very important and under-appreciated historical and religious site.

The Bones of St. Peter: A 1st Full Account of the Search for the Apostle's Body Excellent A very readable account of the search for the bones of St Peter.

I read this book years ago at the public library and was fascinated by it. I have been trying (unsuccessfully, I might add!) to find my very own copy ever since. It is truly wonderful reading and I recommend it highly.

This is a fascinating and well written account of one of the best known, yet little understood, archaeological mysteries of the century. The discovery of the first-century grave under the present basilica of St Peter's is a detective story which is usually given a confessional treatment, if it is noted at all. Walsh does a brilliant job of untangling the threads of the excavation, without making assumptions about the religious aspects of the find. He leaves the reader in little doubt that what was discovered was what Christinas from the second century on certainly believed to be the grave of the apostle Peter. As for the bones, he makes a reasonable case for those being revered in the time of Constantine, without claiming that they are, or are not, those of the Prince of the Apostles. Whatever one's faith, this is a book to be read in one sitting. Anyone going to Rome should definitely read this before visiting the site.