I propose to document and analyze the epigraphic and painted lettering styles in the Roman catacombs. Historically, catacomb lettering has been overlooked as a classical stylistic tradition in favor of the more mannered architectural lettering of imperial Rome, such as that on the base of Trajan’s Column. While the architectural lettering of ancient Rome has been exhaustively documented by lettering historians, the catacomb inscriptions have only been studied comprehensively from an archaeological perspective. This oversight has contributed to the misconception that classical lettering styles such as those found in the catacombs are not relevant to contemporary typography. My project seeks to reevaluate catacomb lettering as a stylistic tradition culminating in the publication of a monograph consisting of: (1) a comprehensive photographic record of catacomb inscriptions; (2) a structural analysis of variant catacomb lettering styles; and (3) an essay exploring the relationship of catacomb lettering to historical and contemporary type design.