A permanent exhibit of ancient Roman treasures is on display at the three-story subway station in San Giovanni in Rome city. The Roman treasures were discovered during the digging of the subway at around 20 meters deep. The Italian authorities decided that it is better to display the Roman treasures in where they have found them in the first place.
While the exhibit will formally open next year, archeologist Rossella Rea provided an early glimpse of the Roman treasures. Lined up in the subway station as commuters descend are ancient wine containers called amphora, plate shards, various coins from the third century, among others. The vast collections are encased in glass panels and will be on full display.
Rea said that these collections are going to transport the imagination of subway commuters into the ancient Roman era, Phys.org reported. In fact, it appears that the subway was supposed to finish earlier but delays happened due to constant discoveries of archeological artifacts as the construction workers dug up. It is when the authorities had the idea that the subway itself can double its purpose as a museum for the Roman treasures.
The Roman treasures' haul is a part of an ancient farm site, judging from the artifacts that the workers unearthed. This discovery is reminiscent of the earlier archeological site in Amba Aradam, the third subway line. In the earlier case, other Roman treasures were dug up from 9 meters below street level.
Contrary to the farm artifacts, the Ambra Aradam Roman treasures came from the reign of Emperor Hadrian's Praetorian Guard. The discovery showcases the martial life, apart from coins, bracelets and human bones, a BBC report said. An extensive ruin of 39 rooms that may have been the barracks of the Roman soldiers highlights the discovery.
Ambra Aradam also confirmed the ancient Rome's appreciation for aesthetics. Floor panels in the ruins display mosaic patterns. Collectively, these Roman treasures provided clues about the civil and military life of the empire.
