Rome, June 16 – An ancient Roman villa, dating back to the Imperial era and featuring remarkable mosaics and a fascinating fragmented marble sculpture, has been discovered near Castel di Guido, along the Aurelia road, in a picturesque rural landscape between Rome and the sea. The site, initially targeted by tomb raiders, was secured following a citizen’s report on February 16, leading to immediate archaeological intervention.
Discovery and Initial Findings
The villa, currently spanning approximately 400 square meters, was brought to light by the Special Superintendency of Rome after a clandestine excavation was reported. The most significant finds include well-preserved mosaics and an 80-centimeter-tall marble statue found in the impluvium basin of the villa’s atrium.
The Enigmatic Marble Statue
The statue, crafted from precious white marble, depicts a bearded adult man dressed in a short tunic with a strap over his shoulder. An object on his left arm, still awaiting restoration for clearer identification, appears to be related to the agricultural world, possibly a basket with two birds and fruit. His right arm, bent forward, might have been leading an animal. Experts are debating whether it represents an agrarian deity like Silvanus, a figure from the Dionysian thiasos, a Silenus, a seasonal genius, or simply a shepherd. Further study is expected to clarify its identity.
Architectural Features and Decorations
The villa boasts well-preserved walls reaching up to 1.5 meters in height and painted frescoes. The discovered section includes an atrium with the central impluvium, adorned with sophisticated geometric and vegetal motifs. Surrounding the atrium are rooms paved with mosaics and structures indicative of productive activities. The high quality of the artifacts, including the mosaic and pictorial decorations, suggests the villa belonged to high-ranking Roman aristocrats, possibly connected to the imperial estate of Lorium, frequented by Emperor Hadrian and later Antoninus Pius.
The Intervention of Authorities and Damage from Tomb Raiders
The archaeological site is located within a vast area owned by the Lazio Region, leased to an agricultural company. On February 16, local police, alerted by citizens who noticed unusual large piles of earth, reported the activity to the Special Superintendency. The following day, the Carabinieri’s Cultural Heritage Protection Unit intervened. Security measures were immediately implemented, including photo traps. However, the tomb raiders had already excavated approximately twenty square meters of the site, causing significant damage with heavy machinery and toothed buckets.
Archaeologist’s Statement
Alessia Contino, the archaeologist leading the excavation, stated, “Thanks to the report from the local community and the prompt intervention, it was possible to identify part of a larger Imperial-era villa never before attested. This is an important piece that opens new perspectives for the knowledge and safeguarding of our rich historical heritage.”
Public Access and Future Plans
The remains of the villa, including the statue and mosaics, will be open to the public on Saturday, June 20, through guided tours organized by the Special Superintendency of Rome. Daniela Porro, the Special Superintendent, remarked, “The discovery of the Roman villa in Castel di Guido demonstrates the exceptional archaeological richness of our city, even outside the historic center. We are happy to organize an open day to return a piece of their heritage to the citizens.”
Two tours are scheduled for 5:00 PM and 6:15 PM, each lasting approximately two hours and involving a 1 km walk. Comfortable clothing, shoes, and water are recommended. Participation is free but requires mandatory booking via www.eventbrite.it. For more information, visit www.soprintendenzaspecialeroma.it.
This discovery adds to a series of recent archaeological finds in Rome, including six buildings from the Ostiense necropolis and the legendary Theater of Nero, underscoring the city’s continuous unveiling of its rich historical past.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cultura-e-spettacoli/26_giugno_15/tombaroli-in-fuga-a-castel-di-guido-riemerge-un-antica-villa-romana-con-mosaici-trovata-anche-una-statua-di-marmo-54f4347e-a332-40c5-8409-404438360xlk.shtml
