Monumental republican tomb discovered on the outskirts of Rome – The

A monumental early republican-era tomb complex has been discovered on the outskirts of Rome. Excavations of Via Pietrata in eastern Rome also uncovered an ancient road, a small cult building and two monumental basins dating to the third and second centuries BC. Remains from the early Republican era are rare in the Eternal City, which makes these finds of great archaeological significance.

The Pietralata area was first excavated in 1997. Evidence of settlement dating to the Archaic period (8th to 6th century BC) was found, which is rare in Roman archeology. Around that time, a series of tunnels were dug into the mountain, which were connected to circular wells believed to be catch basins. The excavations also unearthed the remains of luxurious residences built in the late Republic of China and early imperial water management infrastructure. The current excavations are due to begin in 2022, ahead of a major urban planning project. They also found evidence of continued occupation from the 5th to 4th centuries BC to the 1st century AD

The tomb complex was discovered on a travertine bank sloping downward from Pietralata Road. Two corridors lead to two burial chambers dating to the 4th or early 3rd century BC

The first tomb was named Tomb A and featured a monumental entrance carved into the rock to an inner chamber. The gate is made of stone, with jambs and lintels, and is closed on the inside by a huge monolithic panel. A large sarcophagus and three urns were found in the tomb, all made of peperino stone. The grave goods included two complete vases, a black lacquered bowl, a purified ceramic jug, a mirror and a small cup also lacquered in black.

Tomb B was probably built slightly later, but still during the Republic of China period, in the 3rd century BC. The tomb is surrounded by large tuff blocks. There are benches on both sides of the tomb for placing the deceased. An adult male skeleton has been found among the human remains, but only part of the skull has been found so far. Signs of surgical drilling were found on this element, which is a very interesting testimony to the history of ancient medicine.

Archaeologists believe the tombs were unified by a facade of huge travertine blocks, of which only traces remain today. It is likely that these stones were dismantled and reused in later antiquity. The sheer size of the complex suggests that it belonged to a wealthy family in the area.

The road was probably built on a pre-existing travel path, but it was the first axis to be built. It is divided into two parts: the first is made of rammed earth near the current Via di Pietralata, and the second is excavated from the travertine banks near the current Via Feronia. Early lane ditches still exist in the tuff. It underwent extensive repairs and upgrades during the early Imperial era. It gradually fell into disuse after the first century AD and many second and third century AD burials were discovered along the axis.

At the end of the road is the chapel, a small quadrangular worship building made of masonry, tuff, and plaster. It was built on top of a wishing fountain, and excavations unearthed female statues, pottery body parts, terracotta warriors and a statue of a young Hercules. Heracles was a popular god on the ancient Via Tiburtina road from Rome to Tibur, with several temples along the way. It is likely that this chapel is also dedicated to him. Its history dates back to between the late 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C.

“It is against this background,” explains Rome’s special superintendent Daniela Porro. “Seemingly far removed from the ancient capital’s most famous sites, the presence of these elements is able to enrich the archaeological narrative of Rome as a dispersed city and contributed decisively to its development. The modern suburbs thus prove to be a treasure trove of profound memories waiting to be explored.”