| − | A '''catacomb''' is an underground [[cemetery]] consisting of a gallery with recesses for [[tomb]]s. <ref> [Oxford English Dictionary] </ref> | + | A '''catacomb''' is an underground [[cemetery]] consisting of a gallery with recesses for [[tomb]]s. <ref>Oxford English Dictionary</ref> Catacombs are present in many [[city|cities]] around the [[world]]. |
| − | The Catacombs in [[Paris]], [[France]] are a series of tunnels converted into a mass grave during the 18th century in order to alleviate the problem of overcrowding in the cemeteries in the city. The monks responsible for cleaning and arranging the remains organized them into piles and patterns ranging from Xs to crosses. There are estimated to be the remains of 5 to 6 million people in the Parisian catacombs.<ref>The Catacombs of Paris[http://www.showcaves.com/english/fr/misc/Catacombs.html]</ref> The tunnels are a popular tourist spot today, however there are sometimes issues with tourists stealing a bone or two as a souvenir. | + | The Catacombs in [[Paris]], [[France]] are a series of tunnels converted into a mass grave during the 18th century in order to alleviate the problem of overcrowding in the cemeteries in the city. The monks responsible for cleaning and arranging the remains organized them into piles and patterns ranging from Xs to crosses. There are estimated to be the remains of 5 to 6 million people in the Parisian catacombs.<ref>[http://www.showcaves.com/english/fr/misc/Catacombs.html The Catacombs of Paris]</ref> The tunnels are a popular tourist spot today, however there are sometimes issues with tourists stealing a bone or two as a souvenir. |