I was browsing the Fox News site, and came across this story regarding Pagan tombs beneath St. Peter's basilica in Vatican City.

Honestly, I'm not sure whether or not I should be insulted, but I'm finding it funny non-the-less.

Apparently, Emperor Constantine (life-long Pagan who supposedly converted to Christianity, after deciding that it should be the religion of Rome, in order to calm the issues - but that's a different Xombyte), had the burial ground covered over in the fourth century, so that the Cathedral (housing the tomb of St. Peter) could be constructed over it. After years of restoration, to it's former splendor, the Vatican has opened the Pagan tombs for tours and such.

So, let me get this straight. One of the oldest Christian churches; where the man who is credited as being the first Pope; where it could be argued Christianity got it's start, sits knowingly atop the elaborate final resting places of Roman Pagans?

Now, I'm sure that there are many churches that are built upon ancient Pagan/Heathen burial grounds. But, those churches are probably unaware of this fact. They probably didn't do it on purpose, which is the difference here. And, chances are, they wouldn't be advertising the fact if it were figured out.

On the one hand, I find it disrespectful that a church was constructed, willfully, over the tombs of people who didn't ever adhere to the teachings/doctrine of said religion. On the other hand, I find it funny that Christians tend only to have saints and other VIP's worthy of honor buried within the confines of a Cathedral/church. Yet, here, in this all important Catholic location, there be Pagans nestled beneath. LOL.

Either way, I'm glad that they didn't destroy or otherwise mess with the tombs. The art is absolutely gorgeous, and the historical significance is note-worthy. Never mind the fact that I would find such action far more offensive and repugnant. Still, I think the story is worth a giggle or two.