Italian archaeologists have inched closer to unearthing the secrets behind one of Western civilization’s most enduring legends.
The Italian government on Tuesday released the first images of a deep cavern where some archaeologists believe that ancient Romans honored Romulus and Remus — the legendary founders of Rome.
The cavern, now buried 50 feet under the ruins of the palace of Emperor Augustus on the Palatine Hill, is about 23 feet high and 21 feet in diameter. Photographs taken by a camera probe show a domed cavern decorated with extremely well-preserved colored mosaics and seashells. At its center is a painted white eagle, a symbol of the Roman empire.
I didn't think too much of this when I first saw it, but it seems to be pretty significant. There's just one picture as it has not apparently been entered yet, except by remote cameras. It will be interesting to see how they handle the conservation of the cave; keep it sealed or find some way in? It should be considered carefully.