VIA AURELIA
The ancient Via Aurelia began from the gate of the same name, today the gate of St. Pancratius and an more or less along the same route as today's Via Aurelia Antica.
Sources recall diverse catacombs along the sides of this road. In order we find those of St. Pancratius, of Sts. Processus and Martinianus, of the two Felixes, an anonymous catacomb in the Villa Doria Pamphili, and lastly the cemetery of St. Calepodius.

CEMETERY OF ST. PANCRAS.

Just outside the gate of St. Pancras, following the curve that touches the Villa Doria Pamphili on the left, we arrive very shortly at St. Pancras. From the basilica we can enter the catacomb.
This cemetery was anciently named Ot-tavilla, after the Roman matron who is mentioned in the martyrdom of St. Pancras of whom, unfortunately, we have very few historical facts.
Pancras, according to the legend, was martyred during the time of Diocletian (284-305) at only 12 years of age. Perhaps because of his tender age he became the patron saint of neophytes, those who received baptism at a large service conducted on the night of Holy Saturday in the Baptistry of the Lateran. On this occasion they
wore a white tunic (albus) which after eight days they deposited in this church on the Aurelia (from which we get the name Sunday in albis).
Pancras was perhaps buried in an above ground area, but shortly afterward a cemetery was excavated below which today is very barren and only in part preserved. Also remembered are other martyrs: Artemius, Paolinus and Sofia with the three daughters Fides, Spes and Charitas (Faith, Hope, and Charity).
Next to the staircase that leads to the cemetery the echo of a pious tradition is found in a 15th