Chapter XXII · The Subterranean Passages

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

in addition

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Among these subterranean passages there are, it appears, different kinds.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

create by putting components or members together

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

shockingly brutal or cruel

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

Roman Emperor who succeeded Tiberius and whose uncontrolled passions resulted in manifest insanity; noted for his cruelty and tyranny; was assassinated (12-41)

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

plural of “catacomb” — an underground tunnel with recesses where bodies were buried (as in ancient Rome)

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

plural of “christian” — a religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

plural of “conduit” — a passage (a pipe or tunnel) through which water or electric wires can pass

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Among these subterranean passages there are, it appears, different kinds.

superlative of “dire” — fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

plural of “doctrine” — a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

at any time

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

relating to or associated with an empire

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

acquiring or coming into something (usually undesirable)

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Among these subterranean passages there are, it appears, different kinds.

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Among these subterranean passages there are, it appears, different kinds.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

plural of “monster” — an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

Roman Emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of Rome in 64) but the Roman Empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68)

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

above and across; more than

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

a person who does not acknowledge your god

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

past form of “persecute” — cause to suffer

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

past form of “preside” — act as president

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

a safe place

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

a hotel located in a resort area

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

that is looked for

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

inflected form of “supply” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

an impression that something might be the case

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Among these subterranean passages there are, it appears, different kinds.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

marked by unjust severity or arbitrary behavior

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

plural of “vault” — a burial chamber (usually underground)

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Some were constructed for the purpose of receiving the dead, others were used as water conduits, and supplied the city with rivers of fresh water for a population of two millions.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

which person or people

From this reading These subterranean passages were also undoubtedly the resort of fugitive slaves and other miserable beings, who sought refuge from the tyrannical government of imperial Rome, over which have presided some of the direst monsters that ever existed--Heliogabalus, Nero, Caligula, and other despots in purple.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The first Christians, persecuted with atrocious cruelty by the pagan imperial government of Rome, sought refuge for safety occasionally in the catacombs; and sometimes, also, that they might assemble without incurring suspicion, in larger numbers, to instruct themselves in the doctrines of their new religion.

plural of “wonder” — the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Among the wonders of the Metropolis of the World, the catacombs or subterranean vaults and passages are certainly not the least.