almost black with age, and which were swathed with bandages, . . . when these were touched and moved they were resolved into dust. . . . We can only conclude that those who were found so close to the body of S. Peter must have been the first (Martyr) Popes or their immediate successors. . . .
"On the same level, close up to the wall (of the Memoria) were found two other coffins of smaller size, each of which contained a small body, apparently of a child of ten or twelve years old." Were these, whose bodies had obtained the privilege of interment so close to the grave of S. Peter, little martyrs? . . . Close by . . . were two (coffins) of ancient terra-cotta full of ashes and burnt bones, . . . other fragments of similar coffins were found deeper down as the excavations proceeded, and also pieces of glass from broken phials. It was evident that all this earth was mixed with ashes and tinged with the blood of martyrs. . . . There were also found pieces of charred wood which one might believe had served for the burning of the martyrs, and had afterwards been collected as jewels and buried there with their ashes."
A little farther on Ubaldi writes, still speaking of what was found where the first foundation was excavated: "There was next found a small well in which were a great number of bones mixed with ashes and earth; then again another coffin; near this was found another square place on the sides of which more bodies were found, while on one side was the continuation of a very ancient wall (the Memoria of Anacletus). This wall contained a niche which had been used as a sepulchre, and in it were found five heads fixed with plaster and carefully arranged, also being well preserved. Lower down were the ribs all together, and the other parts in their order mingled with much earth and ashes, not laid casually, but with accuracy and great care. All this holy company were shut in and well secured with lime and mortar. . . .
"It now became necessary to consider how the holy bones and bodies which had been taken up might best be laid in some fitting and memorable place; they had been placed in several cases of cypress wood, and had been carried before the little altar of S. Peter in the confession, and here all through these days they had been kept locked up and under seal.
