Archaeologists Unveil 2nd-Century Roman Villa Under Rome High School, With 48 Crates of Finds
Updated
Updated · Smithsonian Magazine · Jun 8
Archaeologists Unveil 2nd-Century Roman Villa Under Rome High School, With 48 Crates of Finds
3 articles · Updated · Smithsonian Magazine · Jun 8
Summary
May 28 findings showed a mid-2nd-century C.E. Roman domus beneath a high school near the Colosseum, with frescoes, stucco and underground rooms preserved far better than archaeologists expected.
The excavation began in September 2025 after students who occupied the school in 2021 over Covid-19 remote learning led teacher Claudia Marino to a locked basement area and ancient walls beyond it.
Recovered material has filled 48 crates, including an amphora and drinking cups, while earlier excavators also recorded lead-pipe inscriptions naming former occupants L. Fabius Gallus and Umbria Albina.
The villa sits in a district once associated with elite Roman estates, where modern construction erased much of the physical record; archaeologists say only part has been uncovered and more funding is needed to open it to students and tourists.
Why was a Roman villa found in 1895 forgotten, and what other lost treasures lie beneath Rome?
What ancient Roman engineering secrets allowed this villa to survive for 2,000 years hidden under a school?
Unearthing History: How Students at Liceo Cavour Uncovered a Second-Century Roman Villa in Central Rome
Overview
In early 2026, students at Liceo Scientifico Cavour in Rome discovered a hidden second-century Roman villa beneath their school gym while exploring underground tunnels. Their quick action led to archaeologists investigating the site, revealing intricate frescoes, mosaics, and artifacts that suggest the villa belonged to the prominent Umbrius family. Excavations were challenging due to narrow, dark spaces, but the findings transformed the school’s identity and inspired plans for further research and public access. The students’ initiative not only validated local legends but also set a powerful example of community engagement, with future hopes that they may guide visitors through this remarkable historical site.