Archaeologists excavating in Rome's Villa Celimontana park, near the Colosseum, may have discovered a firehouse dating back nearly 2,000 years. The structure, believed to be from the second century A.D., was found on Caelian Hill.
The discovery was announced by Rome's archaeological superintendency, part of Italy's Ministry of Culture. Of the building's eight rooms, archaeologists have fully uncovered five, revealing mosaics and remnants of painted decorations.
Officials hypothesize the building was connected to the barracks of the Fifth Cohort of the Vigiles, the ancient Roman firefighting force. A key piece of evidence supporting this theory is a mosaic discovered at the site that closely resembles one previously found in a firefighters' barracks in Ostia, the ancient port city of Rome.
The Vigiles were also responsible for maintaining public order at night. Their barracks were supplied with water from an aqueduct. If the hypothesis is confirmed, the discovery could provide significant insight into the extent of one of imperial Rome's important military complexes, according to a statement from officials.
An alternative theory suggests the structure might have been a private residence, or domus, given the elaborate decorations found. Further study of the excavated materials and structures is necessary to definitively identify the building's purpose.
This potential firehouse is the latest in a series of ancient Roman discoveries in Italy in recent months. Previously, an ancient city with a forum and theater dating back over 2,000 years was uncovered along the Appian Way. Additionally, the remains of an ancient Roman villa were found beneath a high school gymnasium near the Colosseum earlier in the summer.
