A significant roman villa was recently discovered in the village of Castel di Guido, situated approximately 19 kilometers west of the ancient Roman city walls. Historically, this locale was known as Lorium and served as a frequent destination for prominent Roman families, including notable figures such as Emperors Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. The discovery came to light in February after local police were alerted to unauthorized excavations taking place on state-owned land within the village.
These illegal activities involved heavy machinery, specifically an excavator, which caused considerable damage to the structure, leaving deep ruts and substantial mounds of displaced earth across the site. In response to the damage, Superintendent Alessia Contino and specialized archaeologists from the Superintendence initiated urgent recovery efforts. Their immediate focus was on documenting and stabilizing the architectural remains of the villa.
These controlled archaeological excavations are crucial for preserving the historical integrity of the site and understanding its full context within the ancient Roman settlement. The intervention aims to mitigate the damage caused by the unauthorized digging, ensuring that the rich historical evidence preserved at Castel di Guido can be studied and protected for future research. The work underscores the importance of archaeological oversight when dealing with sites of such profound roman significance.
Topics: #excavations #roman #villa
This discovery sounds like it will provide incredible insight into Roman aristocratic life.