Surprise discovery as ancient domus uncovered beneath restoration site in Rome
What began as a routine engineering project on Rome's Caelian Hill has transformed into a remarkable Surprise discovery as ancient domus uncovered during
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Surprise Discovery as Ancient Domus Uncovered Beneath Rome Restoration Site
Poinews.com – What began as a routine engineering project on Rome’s Caelian Hill has transformed into a remarkable Surprise discovery as ancient domus uncovered during restoration work at Villa Celimontana. Architects reinforcing an ancient Roman wall unexpectedly revealed the remains of a substantial Roman-era building adorned with elaborate mosaics, frescoes, and painted ceilings. Archaeologists have identified eight rooms so far, with five fully excavated and several more extending beyond the current excavation boundaries.
Archaeological Significance of the Find
Chief archaeologist Simona Moretta explained that while the team anticipated ancient remains given the site’s proximity to the Roman Forum, the scale exceeded expectations. “Being in the heart of ancient Rome, a stone’s throw from the Roman Forum, that there could be something ancient, we had certainly taken that possibility into account, but certainly not with this importance. We have found a building with five full rooms, but another eight rooms whose walls enter into the area of excavation section but that we could not excavate.”
The Surprise discovery as ancient domus revealed particularly valuable surface decorations. In room ‘V’, archaeologists discovered superimposed mosaics—one dating to the third century AD and the lower one to the second century AD. Excavation teams are now cleaning and cataloguing hundreds of artefacts, including marble fragments, ceramics, mosaics, and painted plaster. Restorers are simultaneously reconstructing a richly decorated ceiling recovered in large sections.
“We also have some pieces of frescoes and, especially on the most recent mosaic we have found in this room, we have found the painted ceiling of the room in large parts that we have been able to sort through with the very good restorers.” She added: “We have now put it in storage and then it will be reconstructed, I think we will have more than 50% of the entire room. A beautiful ceiling painted in red and blue circles with white stucco frames with denticles.”
Engineering Adaptation and Future Research
The Surprise discovery as ancient domus forced engineers to significantly expand what had originally been planned as a straightforward stabilisation project. Architect Alessandra Centroni, director of works, noted that the excavation quickly became far more extensive than anticipated. “Clearly, this being an exceptional discovery, we deepened the excavation that was not planned for this, of this entity, but we gradually went deeper, precisely to try to understand what we had in front of us, in short, what were we discovering.”
According to Daniela Porro, Special Superintendent of Rome for Archaeology, the complex dates to the second century AD and was later modified during the third century. “There are eight rooms, of which five are completely excavated, three partially excavated, which, however, have given us back a decoration of great value with floor mosaics. One of these rooms has a beautiful, geometric mosaic, within the centre there is an emblem depicting a dolphin and fish around a crater.”
Researchers have not yet determined the building’s original purpose. Its refined decoration suggests it may have belonged to an influential Roman family, although another possibility is that it served as barracks connected to the city’s ancient fire brigade. Porro said further research will be needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn. “It could probably have been a domus belonging to an important family, that would have such an elegant decoration, or it could also be barracks linked to the fire brigade of ancient Rome. And on this point, the studies are still going on and certainly they will eventually tell us something more.”
The excavation forms part of restoration work funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), supported by the European Union. Archaeologists expect ongoing excavation and conservation work to provide new insights into the history of ancient Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the ancient domus discovered? The Surprise discovery as ancient domus was uncovered at Villa Celimontana on Rome’s Caelian Hill, near the Roman Forum.
How old is the building? The complex dates to the second century AD and was later modified during the third century.
What is the building’s original purpose? Researchers have not yet determined the building’s original purpose. It may have belonged to an influential Roman family or served as barracks connected to the city’s ancient fire brigade.
How many rooms have been found? Archaeologists have identified eight rooms, with five fully excavated and three partially excavated so far.
What funding supports the excavation? The excavation is part of restoration work funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), supported by the European Union.
