The following series portrays the so-called ‘catacomb saints’ that were discovered in Rome in 1578. Assumed to be early Christian martyrs, these skeletons were adorned with a hefty haul of jewelry. L.A. based historian and photographer Paul Koudounaris is the man behind this incredible series. When these bodies were discovered all these years ago, their bones were dug up and sent to various Catholic churches and religious houses in German-speaking Europe to replace the holy relics that were destroyed during the Protestant Reformation. The bones were reassembled, then decorated in decadent outfits and gems, and finally displayed with the aim of showing the public how great they could look once they die after living a faithful Christian life. A few centuries later, the church began feeling embarrassed about these opulent skeletons; resulting in them being destroyed or hidden.