Art-eating fungus attacks Rome’s ancient underground frescoes

A devastating infestation of microbugs is damaging the treasured underground frescoes that decorate the labyrinths of ancient catacombs beneath Rome.

A vast network of tunnels, dug into the soft, porous tufa rock that underlies much of the city, was created in the early Christian era for the burial of the dead. They were also used as clandestine meeting places at a time when Christians were persecuted by Rome’s emperors.

But the colourful frescoes that adorn the ceilings and walls of the catacombs are being eaten away by microorganisms, a phenomenon that experts say is being accelerated by climate change.

Rising temperatures have increased humidity levels inside the underground burial sites, encouraging the growth of bacteria, moss and fungus.

The alarm about the rampant art-eating fun