This book is a study of the papal tombs in Rome, from the earliest times to the 19th century. The author examines the architectural, artistic, and historical aspects of the tombs, which are among the most significant monuments of Christian art and culture. He also discusses the rituals and beliefs associated with the papacy and the saints, and the role of the tombs in shaping the identity of the Roman Catholic Church. The book is a fascinating exploration of the intersections of art, religion, and politics in the history of Rome. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.