Ancient skeletons have been found in catacombs and burial sites all across Europe, encrusted with gold, silver, and jewels, for hundreds of years. Remains have been found in Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Rome. Most of the remains were discovered between 1500 and 1700 AD, and the Vatican would often proclaim the skeletons to be the remains of martyrs. Locals believed that the skeletons would bring good luck to their town. [x]