In a country as old as Italy, you never know what you’ll find while digging beneath the streets of Rome.
Workers upgrading Rome’s subway system uncovered the ruins of a Roman barracks and much more earlier this month.
The barracks were uncovered about nine metres below street level and cover about 900 square metres. Archaeologists said that the entire barracks consisted of 39 rooms.
Rome’s rich history has made digging and upgrading their subway system a bit of a challenge as they continually encounter ancient artifacts and ruins. The same situation occurred in Athens while the country prepared for the 2004 Olympics.
Included are a long hallway, decorated floors and frescoed walls. Remains of about 13 adults were also uncovered along with a bronze bracelet and coin.
“It’s exceptional, not only for its good state of conservation but because it is part of a neighbourhood which already included four barracks,” said Rossella Rea of the Culture Ministry. “And therefore, we can characterize this area as a military neighbourhood.”
—with files from The Associated Press
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