Lost Treasures of Rome

Ancient Rome was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in human history, spanning over a thousand years and leaving behind a rich legacy of culture, art, architecture, law, and politics.

But, how much do we really know about the ancient Romans and their way of life? What lost treasures of Rome are still hidden beneath the soil?

In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating and mysterious lost treasures of Ancient Rome, from the buried palace of a notorious emperor to the sunken remains of a naval battle that changed the course of history.

We will also follow the international teams of archaeologists who are on the front line of uncovering these treasures. Using cutting-edge technology and innovative methods these experts reveal new insights into the Roman Empire.

Hidden Secrets of Pompeii

Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, a snapshot of life frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. But, despite decades of excavations, there is still much to discover in this ancient city.

Archaeologists are embarking on new digs in Pompeii, unearthing a sacrificial skull, a strange mummy, and underground tunnels that may have been used for secret rituals.

One of the most intriguing finds is a fresco depicting a woman being attacked by a snake, which may represent a scene from an ancient myth or a cult practice.

Another find is a well-preserved thermopolium, or fast-food counter, where customers could order hot dishes and drinks. The counter was decorated with colorful paintings of animals and food, and contained traces of duck bones, goat meat, beans, and wine.

Rome’s Sunken Secrets

Off the coast of Sicily, maritime archaeologists have found traces of a fierce battle that changed Ancient Rome’s history. The battle was fought in 241 BC between Rome and Carthage, two rival city-states that were competing for control of the Mediterranean Sea.

The battle was part of the First Punic War that lasted for 23 years, one of the longest and bloodiest wars in antiquity.

Archaeologists discovered dozens of bronze rams, or metal spikes that were attached to the prows of warships and used to ram enemy vessels. The rams are inscribed with Latin or Punic letters, indicating their origin and ownership.

The rams also bear scars from the impact of the collision, revealing the violence and intensity of the naval combat. The battle ended with a decisive victory for Rome, which captured or sank most of the Carthaginian fleet, gaining supremacy over the sea.

Planning a Trip to Italy?

We can help create your perfect itinerary!

Worried you'll miss the hidden gems?
How long should you stay in each place?
Should you rent a car, train it, or both?

Secrets of the Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the most iconic symbols of Rome. This massive amphitheater could seat up to 50,000 spectators and host gladiatorial games, animal hunts, executions, and mock naval battles.

But, how did this monumental structure come to be built? What can it tell us about the society and culture that created it?

The Colosseum was built by Emperor Vespasian as a gift to the people after he seized power from Nero, who had built his own lavish palace on the same site.

The monumental structure was also designed to showcase Rome’s engineering prowess and political propaganda, as well as to entertain and control the masses with spectacle and violence.

Nero’s Lost Palace

Nero was one of the most notorious emperors in Roman history, infamous for his cruelty, extravagance, and megalomania. After a great fire destroyed much of Rome in 64 AD, Nero seized the opportunity to build his own dream palace on a vast scale. He called it the Domus Aurea, or Golden House.

The palace covered an area equivalent to 300 football fields and featured gardens, fountains, artificial lakes, statues, and even a rotating dining room.

But, why was this vast palace buried? And what can its fate reveal about its builder? Archaeologists have explored the underground remains and found evidence that Nero’s successors tried to erase his memory by dismantling his palace and building the great buildings, like the Colosseum and bath complexes’ right over it.

This reveals the depth of disgust and hatred the Romans must have felt toward Emperor Nero.

Secrets of Rome’s Great Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most impressive structures that Rome built. It stretches for 73 miles across northern England and marks the northernmost frontier of the empire.

It was built by Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD to consolidate Roman territory and protect it from barbarian invasions. But, what was life like on this remote edge of empire? And what secrets are still hidden along its length?

Experts have investigated Hadrian’s Wall and revealed new insights into its construction, function, and impact. They have found that the wall was not just a defensive barrier, but also a symbol of Roman authority, identity, and controlled the flow of trade.

The wall was a complex system that included forts, watchtowers, roads, bridges, ditches, gates, and milecastles. The wall was manned by thousands of soldiers from different parts of the empire who had to cope with harsh weather conditions and cultural clashes.

Pompeii’s Lost Twin: Herculaneum

Herculaneum was another ancient city that was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Unlike Pompeii, which was buried by ash and pumice, Herculaneum was engulfed by a pyroclastic surge: a fast-moving cloud of hot gas and rock that reached temperatures up to 500°C.

This resulted in different levels of preservation. In Herculaneum, the town was buried almost instantly in hot ash. The buildings in Herculaneum are often better preserved than those found in Pompeii. Many of the upper floors are still intact, and a couple even have their original wooden beds.

Experts have investigated Herculaneum’s grisly skeletons and uncovered what happened in the deadly final hours after Mount Vesuvius erupted. They found that many people sought refuge in boat houses along the shore but were killed instantly by the pyroclastic surge which caused their skulls to explode and their flesh to vaporize.

The lost treasures of Rome are not only valuable relics of the past but also windows into the lives of the people who lived in the Roman Empire. By studying these treasures, we can learn more about their history, culture, and society, as well as their achievements, challenges, and legacy.

More lost treasures of Rome are still waiting to be discovered and explored, and they continue to fascinate and inspire us today.

The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist

Download ‘10 Crucial Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad’ to avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth trip; adapters and electronics, packing tips, foreign currency, phone plans, and more!

Each trip is a unique experience. Guidester personalizes your adventure, guiding you to those breathtaking sites, authentic local eateries, and hidden gems!