Remains of this ancient necropolis were brought to light sporadically during renovations by various popes throughout the centuries, increasing in frequency during the Renaissance until it was systematically excavated by orders of Pope Pius XII from 1939 to 1941.
Restos destas de antigas necrópoles saíron á luz de forma esporádica durante as renovacións de varios papas durante os séculos aumentando en frecuencia durante a Renacemento, até que foi escavado sistematicamente por orde do papa Pío XII dende 1939 até 1941.