What are catacombs primarily used for in ancient Rome?

Catacombs in ancient Rome were primarily used as burial sites that offered a solution to the limited space available for interment during a time when urban density was high. The correct answer highlights that these underground complexes served as private resting places primarily for Christians. Wealthier individuals or families had the resources to secure particular areas within the catacombs for their own burials, leading to the establishment of distinct burial niches and chambers.

In contrast, options that suggest public burial sites for all citizens do not accurately represent the primary function of catacombs, as they were often private or designated for specific communities, particularly the early Christians. Similarly, while communal feasts may have taken place in connection with funerals, this was not a primary function of the catacombs themselves, which were used primarily for interment. Lastly, the notion of judicial rites being performed in catacombs does not align with their historical use, as they were focused on burial rather than legal or judicial activities.