World News
Archaeologists discover ancient Roman structure near Colosseum
Excavations at Villa Celimontana uncovered second-century rooms that may have functioned as a firefighters' barracks or a private residence.
The short version
- Archaeologists uncovered eight rooms containing mosaics and painted decorations dating to the second century A.D. in Rome's Villa Celimontana park.
- Rome's archaeological superintendency believes the site may be part of the Fifth Cohort of the Vigiles, ancient Rome's firefighting force, or a private residence.
- Researchers plan further study of the excavated structures and materials to confirm the building's true purpose.
Key facts
- Excavations in Villa Celimontana park near Rome's Colosseum fully exposed five of eight rooms containing second-century A.D. mosaics and painted wall fragments.[Fox News]
- Rome's archaeological superintendency announced that a mosaic found at the site closely resembles one from a firefighter barracks in Ostia.[Fox News]
- The ancient Vigiles served as imperial Rome's night watch and firefighting force.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Officials noted that the elaborate decorations mean the structure could alternatively be a private domus rather than a firehouse.[Fox News]