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Clandestine excavation in Castel di Guido revealed mosaics, frescoes, impluvium, and a rare statue in an area associated with ancient Lorium
A luxurious Roman villa was discovered on the outskirts of Rome after a clandestine excavation revealed a structure previously unknown to archaeologists.
The property was found in Castel di Guido, about 19 kilometers west of the ancient walls of the Italian capital.
According to the Special Superintendency of Rome, the remains indicate a high-standard residence, possibly linked to the Roman aristocracy and the Antonine imperial family.
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The location also draws attention. In antiquity, the region was known as Lorium, an area frequented by important figures of imperial Rome, such as Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius.
Illegal excavation led authorities to the Roman villa
The discovery began in February, after authorities received a report about unauthorized excavation activities on public land.
According to the Italian Ministry of Culture, those responsible used a backhoe at the site.
The action caused deep cuts in parts of the ancient structure and left large mounds of earth scattered around the area.
Faced with the risk of archaeological loss, a team led by Alessia Contino from the Special Superintendency of Rome initiated an emergency intervention.
According to Contino, the local report and immediate response allowed the identification of part of a large imperial villa. The team also found a variety of preserved decorations and a white marble statue.
Mosaics, frescoes, and impluvium reveal the luxury of the residence
The excavations revealed the main atrium of the villa, as well as rooms decorated with frescoes and mosaics.
The archaeologists also identified areas related to the agricultural activities of the property, which reinforces the rural and aristocratic character of the complex.
According to researchers, the construction may have been erected in the early 1st century.
Later, the villa would have been abandoned around the 3rd century.
One of the most preserved elements is the central impluvium, a basin used to collect rainwater inside the atrium.
The structure was surrounded by black and white mosaics, with botanical and geometric motifs.
The walls also preserve sections of frescoes in red tones, multicolored panels, human figures, and vegetal elements.
Smaller rooms reinforce the high standard of the property
The archaeological team identified four smaller rooms around the main area.
Three of them still preserve mosaic floors with different geometric patterns.
Among the designs found, there are rectangular panels, octagonal shapes, and black and white compositions.
The quality of the materials and the size of the residence reinforce the hypothesis that its owners belonged to the Roman elite.
Rare statue may represent Silvanus, deity linked to the countryside
Another highlight of the discovery was a fragmented statue about 80 centimeters tall.
The piece was found inside the central basin of the atrium.
The sculpture represents a bearded man, dressed in a short tunic and carrying a basket with fruits and birds.
According to archaeologists, the image may depict Silvanus, a Roman deity associated with forests, rural areas, and the protection of herds.
This detail reinforces the villa’s connection with the rural environment and the agricultural activities developed on the property.
Lorium increases the mystery about the connection with emperors
The region where the villa was found was of great importance in Ancient Rome.
Ancient sources indicate that Antoninus Pius spent part of his childhood in Lorium.
The emperor is also said to have built an imperial palace in the locality.
Later, Antoninus Pius died in Lorium at the age of 74.
The historical presence of the Antonine dynasty in the area makes the new discovery especially relevant for researchers.
New studies should explain the origin and abandonment of the villa
The upcoming studies should help to more precisely define the chronology of the construction.
The analyses may also clarify whether the abandonment of the property was related to the transfer of the imperial family to other regions.
While the research continues, the Special Superintendency of Rome plans to open the site to the public on June 20.
The schedule includes a free archaeological walk and guided tours.
For Alessia Contino, the newly discovered villa represents another important piece to understand and preserve a territory rich in history.
What do you think this discovery might reveal about Ancient Rome: new details about the Antonine emperors or clues about the daily life of the Roman rural elite? Share your opinion!
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