That'sa me. *points to link* Was led here by the pingback. Thanks for noticing me.
As proud as I am of my post, and as hard as I'm working on part two -- which will contain even more archaeological evidence -- there are other, better resources out there. I hope, at least, that mine will carry a passionately Catholic flavor.
saintpetersbasilica.org is an amazing resource that allows you to explore all aspects of St. Peter's and the Scavi beneath it. They have the full text online of John Evangelist Walsh's
The Bones of St. Peter, which is the first, very illuminating book I read on this subject. (I think a print copy would be better if you could get a hold of one, as I don't think the transcription has all of the helpful diagrams, but if you just want an overview, this would be a good one.) They also have a book online,
The Tomb of St. Peter, which I have not read yet, by Margherita Guarducci, the archaeologist and paleographer who first argued strongly for the relics now believed to be St. Peter's.
And I apologize. This thing won't let me post links.
But on saintpetersbasilica.org, go to the URL /Necropolis/Scavi.htm
An amazing, rich, informative post by Carolina Ayerbe that has been very helpful to me in visualizing the archaeological site and the development of St. Peter's grave into the present tomb under St. Peter's. Both of the videos she has posted are worth watching: the first showing the evolution of the grave, the second a very good Italian documentary on the grave and tomb.
On theholidaze.com, go to the URL /articles/experiences/item/250-real-tomb-saint-peter-under-saint-peters-basilica
St. Peter's tomb is the chief archaeological evidence for Peter having been in Rome and having been bishop (i.e. pope). There is also plenty of literary and documentary evidence. But the Tropaion, the monument on the tomb, can be definitively dated to ca. 150. It was built over a much older grave which had clearly been preserved and venerated for years while the rest of the cemetery was built up around it. Combine that with the tradition and the ancient testimony that this is Peter's grave, and the fact that Constantine bulldozed a sacred cemetery to build a church over it called St. Peter's Basilica -- to whom else could it belong?
If you have any other questions, I am glad to help.