From: 'Guide to the Vatican Necropolis' by Michele Basso, Fabbrica di S. Pietro

Tomb of Cristo-Sole (Tomb M)

The tomb of "Cristo Sole", that is Christ the Sun, was discovered in 1574, during some excavations beneath the Basilica. According to Tiberio Alfarano, who meticulously copied the epitaph which has since been lost, the tomb was built by the parents of the deceased, Julius Tarpeianus.

The pagan origin of the tomb is obvious because of the presence of a cinerarium, although the three frescoes on the ceiling and walls, which were decorated in polychrome mosaics, are undoubtedly Christian.

Christ is depicted on the vault in a chariot drawn by white horses. The Good Shepherd was originally depicted on one of the wall; the outline of a fisherman and a biblical scene including Jonah appear on other walls.

Both vault and walls are decorated with grape vines.