Now Reading: Ancient Roman structure near Colosseum may be firefighter barracks
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Ancient Roman structure near Colosseum may be firefighter barracks
Ancient Roman structure near Colosseum may be firefighter barracks
Archaeologists in Rome have uncovered a second-century building with mosaics and painted ceilings in Villa Celimontana park, near the Colosseum. Five of eight rooms have been excavated on the Caelian Hill. The…
The Story in Brief
Archaeologists in Rome have uncovered a second-century building with mosaics and painted ceilings in Villa Celimontana park, near the Colosseum. Five of eight rooms have been excavated on the Caelian Hill. The Times of India reports that the structure may have been barracks for the Vigiles, the ancient Roman firefighting corps, because a mosaic of a dolphin, fish, lobster and crab closely resembles one found in a known firefighters' barracks in Ostia, 30 km away.
However, the building could also be a patrician residence, as similar decorated homes exist on the same hill. The excavation, funded by EU post-COVID recovery funds, will need further study of layout and artefacts to confirm its purpose. Confirming the barracks theory would help map the extent of the Vigiles' network in imperial Rome.
The Indian Opinion
The mosaic similarity to a known barracks in Ostia is tempting, but a single decorative pattern does not prove function. Roman luxury homes also used such motifs. The real test will be whether the building's layout matches the vigiles' need for quick exits and water access. Until then, labelling it a fire station is premature. Will the next phase of excavation find signs of water storage or firefighting gear?
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
