Probable Villa of the First Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus Found in Italy
Archaeologists from the University of Tokyo have discovered an almost 2,000-year-old building at the site of ancient Roman ruins buried under volcanic ash on the northern side of Vesuvius in Italy. Researchers believe this could have been a villa belonging to the first Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus, as reported by Arkeonews.
During excavations, archaeologists found a part of the structure that served as a storage area. This is evidenced by dozens of ceramic amphorae found near the building's wall. Additionally, scientists discovered remnants of a furnace used to heat a bathhouse. Part of the furnace wall was destroyed, and ancient tiles lay on the floor.
The presence of a private bathhouse within the villa suggests that this building belonged to a highly influential individual. Carbon dating analysis indicates that the bathhouse ceased to be used around the same time as the death of Octavian Augustus. Furthermore, scientists found nearby remains that could have been a small ancient temple, providing grounds to speculate that the building was indeed Octavian Augustus's villa.
It's worth noting that according to ancient accounts, Octavian Augustus, who lived from 63 BC to 14 AD, died at his villa on the northeast side of Vesuvius, where a temple was later erected in honour of his achievements. However, the exact location of this villa remained unknown.
Previously, The Gaze reported that during the construction of a supermarket in a small Italian mountain village, a rare ancient Roman temple was discovered.
"We found three separate rooms, presumably dedicated to the triad of gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Excavations are still ongoing... and we have already uncovered an older, deeper layer of ruins dating back to the 4th century AD when the Umbrians (an ancient Italian tribe predating the Romans) lived here. The entire temple may have been even larger than what we see now," archaeologist Romina Pirraglia explained.
During the excavations, a grand structure made of horizontal sandstone blocks and marble slabs measuring 577 square meters was specifically identified as a podium upon which columns and walls of the ancient temple stood.