Ancient Garden Tied to Emperor Caligula Unearthed Near St. Peter's Basilica in Rome

Archaeologists in Rome have uncovered the remains of an ancient garden believed to have been owned by Roman Emperor Caligula, during construction work for a new pedestrian plaza connecting Castel Sant'Angelo to St. Peter's Basilica. The discovery, announced by Italy's culture ministry, sheds light on the opulent lifestyle of Rome's imperial era, showcasing remnants of travertine walls, foundations of a colonnaded portico, and traces of once-grand gardens overlooking the Tiber River.

The excavation site, near the Vatican, has also yielded a lead water pipe inscribed with the name of the garden's likely owner, providing compelling evidence linking the site to Caligula. Historical records corroborate this connection, identifying Caligula, who reigned from 37 to 41 AD, as the proprietor of lavish residences in this prestigious area of ancient Rome.

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Among the notable finds are terracotta figurines adorned with intricate mythological scenes, originally intended as decorative elements for the garden's structures. Over time, these terracottas were repurposed as covers for sewer systems, underscoring the garden's architectural sophistication and the reuse of materials in antiquity.

The archaeological project aligns with Rome's preparations for the 2025 Jubilee, a holy year expected to draw millions of pilgrims to the city. The construction of the new plaza, budgeted at 79.5 million euros, includes provisions for a traffic-diverting tunnel, aiming to enhance pedestrian access and accommodate the anticipated surge of visitors during the Jubilee celebrations.

The excavation's findings not only enrich our understanding of Rome's imperial history but also underscore the city's ongoing efforts to preserve and showcase its rich cultural heritage amidst modern urban development. As work continues towards completing the plaza by December, the archaeological revelations add another layer of significance to Rome's landscape, bridging ancient splendor with contemporary infrastructure initiatives.

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