Ancient Roman 'experiment' Hidden Near Rome Finally Discovered After 2,250 Years

AN ANCIENT Roman “experiment” has been unearthed after more than 2,250 years.

The stunning discovery was found just 11 miles east of Rome – and archaeologists say another mystery is lurking nearby.

Scientists have found the remains of a massive stone-lined basin.

It was discovered in the heart of the ancient Roman city of Gabii, and is partly carved directly into the bedrock.

Experts say that it dates all the way back to 250BC, and is one of the earliest examples of “Roman monumental architecture” that isn’t just a temple or city wall.

That means it wasn’t just for practical use but also for “political expression”.

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“This discovery gives us a rare look at how the early Romans experimented with city planning,” said Professor Marcello Mogetta who led the project.

“Its location – at the centre of the city near the main crossroads – suggests it may have been a monumental pool that was part of the city’s forum, or the heart of public life in Roman towns.

“Since archaeologists still don’t fully know what the early Roman Forum truly looked like, Gabii provides an invaluable window into its development.”

Gabii is an important site for archaeologists, located not far from Rome proper.

Parts of the town are carved into the slope of an ancient volcanic crater, which is where the city grew.

And experts say that discoveries at Gabii show how those early Roman builders were inspired by Greek architecture.

That included “paved plazas, dramatic terraces and grand civic spaces” that weren’t just functional but were also used for “image and power“.

And Romans also adapted this style of building at Gabii.

“While Rome’s earliest layers were buried beneath centuries of later construction, Gabii – a once-powerful neighbour and rival of Rome, first settled in the Early Iron Age – was largely abandoned by 50 B.C.,”said Mogetta, of the University of Missouri.

“And later reoccupied on a much smaller scale.

“Because of this, Gabii’s original streets and building foundations are unusually well preserved, offering a rare glimpse into early Roman life.”

The site is part of a major excavation project looking to peer back into early Roman history.

And part of that will include investigating a “mysterious anomaly” near the site of the basin.

Archaeologists discovered the “anomaly” through thermal imaging scans.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Here’s what you need to know…

The Roman Empire began shortly after the founding of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BC and reigned for around a thousand years until the fall of the last Western emperor in 476 AD
During this time, the Romans ruled over many countries in Europe and parts of Africa and the Middle East
At its height, 90 million people lived in the Roman Empire
It evolved from a monarchy to a democratic republic to a military dictatorship and then was finally ruled by emperors
One of the most well-known Roman leaders is Julius Caesar, famously assassinated in 44BC, who is largely credited for his military mind and laying the foundations for the Roman Empire
The spread of the Roman Empire has had a lasting impact on our lives today with Latin, straight roads, underfloor heating and the spread of Christianity all being attributed to the Romans

And they predict that it could be a large and important building – like a temple – that has been lost to time.

“If it’s a temple, it could help us explain some of the artefacts we’ve already found in the abandonment levels of the basin,” explained Mogetta, who is currently appointed to Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science.

“Such as intact vessels, lamps, perfume containers and cups inscribed with unusual markings.

“Some of these objects may have been deliberately placed there as religious offerings or discarded in connection with the ritual closing of the pool around 50 C.E.

“Thus underscoring the crucial role played by water management in ancient cities.”