Archaeologists have stumbled upon a rare multi-story Roman apartment building beneath Rome’s Piazza Venezia during subway construction for Metro Line C. The discovery, announced by the Special Superintendency of Rome on August 4, adds to a growing list of significant historical finds in the Eternal City. The structure, dating back to the late Republic period, is believed to have been used by ordinary Romans, offering an unprecedented glimpse into their lives during ancient times.
Excavations near the Victor Emmanuel II Monument revealed a complex palimpsest, where layers of history from different eras are preserved. The site includes buildings from the Roman Imperial Era, spanning the first to fourth centuries A.D., as well as remnants of modern palaces destroyed in the 19th and 20th centuries. This multi-layered construction underscores the dynamic evolution of the city’s architecture over millennia.
The apartment complex, likely an insula, is regarded as one of the most significant finds in recent years. Its discovery highlights the intertwined relationship between urban development and historical exploration, with modern infrastructure projects playing a crucial role in unearthing ancient treasures. The Special Superintendency of Rome, leading the excavation, emphasized the importance of the site in understanding Rome’s topography and its historical layers.
Additional discoveries in Rome have further enriched this narrative. Last summer, construction crews uncovered an ancient Roman laundry near the Vatican, and earlier this year, an ancient bathhouse repurposed as a Christian church was found in the Appian Way Regional Park. These finds collectively illustrate the city’s layered history, where ancient and modern elements coexist.
Experts view the Piazza Venezia excavation as a unique opportunity to study the city’s evolution through the lens of its physical structures. The project, which is progressing in tandem with the Metro C construction, exemplifies how historical preservation can complement modern urban planning. As the excavation continues, further insights into Rome’s past are expected to emerge, deepening our understanding of its rich and complex history.