If you’d like to see some of Rome’s darker history, check out the network of underground catacombs. These Christian tombs once sat outside the Roman walls (Christians were not allowed to be buried in the city limits prior to 313 C.E.) and have preserved some of the earliest depictions of Christ, painted on their walls.

If you’re looking for even earlier burial sites, like those of the early Etruscans (society before Romans), visit Cerveteri, in the Lazio province. This city and its remaining necropolis date back to the 3rd century B.C.E and the tombs that are preserved shed fascinating light onto the history of a civilization less known.

Many know that Egyptians buried their dead underground and left offerings such as food and miniature statues that would keep their loved ones company in the after life. Etruscans took this one step further. Often, elaborate underground chambers were carved out of soft tufa rock. The tombs imitated the interior of real Etruscan houses and were outfitted with chairs, shields, windows, beds, and columns carved all carved to resemble the everyday objects and architecture in Etruscan society. This ensured that family members would be laid to rest in a familiar environment.

Also, these tombs were used as collective burial sites. For economic purposes, the Egyptians would bury family members in the same complex, but rarely within the same burial chambers. Etruscans however, buried several family members in a single chamber and were used by a single family over several generations. Tombs were not closed off like Egyptian pyramids. Instead, they were entered easily and new furnishings were carved for the next person to feel right at home.

You can still enter some of these sites today and see the elaborate tombs and possible gain your own insights into this fascinating culture.