Romes Subway Project Keeps Digging Up Archaeological Marvels [View all]

By ELISABETTA POVOLEDO MARCH 7, 2018



Archaeologists believe the richly decorated house belonged to the commander of a military complex that was found
at the site two years ago. Credit Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma

ROME — For archaeologists, the excavation of Rome’s newest subway line has been the gift that keeps on giving.

Two years after a second-century military barracks was found during the excavation of the Amba Aradam station, archaeologists last week presented the remains of a richly decorated domus, or house, that they believe belonged to the commander of the military post.

Even after the discovery of the military complex, “we didn’t imagine that we’d find a house with a central courtyard,” a fountain and at least 14 rooms, said Simona Morretta, the state archaeologist responsible for the site. One of the rooms appears to have been heated.

The foundation of another structure, equal in size but far less opulent, was also excavated at the same level, some 40 feet below the surface. Archaeologists believe it was probably used as a warehouse.

More:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/07/arts/rome-subway-archaeological-marvels.html