Book excerpt: This volume deals with the Christian catacombs of Rome and presents the current state of research and knowledge concerning these extraordinary monuments that provide the most tangible and eloquent testimony of early Christianity. This volume is intended to represent the official publication on the Christian catacombs of Rome, prepared directly by members of the Pontificia Commissione di Archeologia Sacra. Through association with this commission, it has been possible to publish the most recent and up to date graphic and photographic documentation of the excavations and restorations carried out in the last few years in preparation for the Great Jubilee Year of 2000. It should be a useful and valuable didactic tool for visiting the catacombs of Rome, that, as the Holy Father has noted on numerous occasions, represent manditory destinations for all the pilgrims who will come to Rome in the year 2000 from all over the world. - Introduction.