In Italy, archaeologists made an unexpected discovery during preventative excavations at the site of a student dormitory in the San Paolo Fuori le Mura area. A previously unknown cemetery has appeared underground.
The site is located on the Ostian Via Ostiense, an ancient road connecting Rome with Ostia, an important seaport.
The burial complex is located about a meter from the modern road surface. Already Five tombs from the Roman Empire have been excavatedAnother is underway. The tombs have a quadrangular layout and partially preserved vaulted ceilings.
Ahead of them, they found two small buildings. Their purpose remains unclear, but experts suggest they may have been used in rituals.
Based on the architecture, scientists believe that this could be the cemetery of a wealthy family. Fragments of frescoes and stucco details have been preserved on the walls of the tombs.
Among the finds were aedicules, small architectural niches characteristic of Roman funerary iconography. Some of them feature images of winged figures symbolizing victory and victory over death.
Additionally, researchers discovered female figures in the Orantes style with their arms raised in a praying position. In Roman funerary art, such images were often associated with faith and spiritual devotion.
