Vatican graves update Unearthed graves show how average Romans lived, died

The burial sites help "document the middle class, which usually escapes us," said Paolo Liverani, an archaeologist and former Vatican Museums official who worked as a consultant on the site. "You don't construct history with only generals and kings."

Among those buried in the necropolis was a set designer for Pompey's Theater, notorious for being near the spot where Julius Caesar was stabbed to death. Decorating the designer's tomb were some symbols of his trade -- a compass and a T-square.

An archivist for Emperor Nero's private property and mailmen also were buried there.