Rome, Roman bridge from the 2nd century B.C. discovered along the Via Tiburtina

by Redazione , published on 08/02/2022
Categories: Archaeology / Disclaimer
A preventive archaeology excavation in Rome has led to the discovery of the 2nd-century B.C.E. Roman bridge Fosso di Pratolungo: this is a structure documented in Renaissance cartography but had never been found.

In Rome, a preventive archaeology excavation at kilometer 12 of Via Tiburtina led to the discovery of a Roman bridge from the Republican era (datable to the 2nd century B.C. because of the structure, made of large tufa blocks typical of the time, and the discovery of artifacts dating back to this era: these are ceramic finds).

This was the bridge over the Pratolungo Ditch that was documented in historical cartography from the Renaissance period, but had never been found. The bridge was an important crossing on the road that connected Rome to ancient Tibur tracing an ancient transhumance route that later became one of the most important links in central Italy, leading from the capital to the shores of the Adriatic. The bridge still lies partially submerged in an aquifer.

The excavations, which are still ongoing, are being conducted by archaeologists Mara Carcieri and Stefania Bavastro of the Land company under the scientific direction of Fabrizio Santi, an archaeologist from Rome’s Special Superintendency. “Preventive archaeology,” the Superintendency itself recalls in a note, “increasingly represents a fundamental tool of protection and, often, is the starting point for significant archaeological discoveries.”

For Superintendent Daniela Porro this is “a find of great archaeological interest and, likewise, historical and topographical.” Investigations will continue, the superintendent told Ansa, “to obtain the most complete knowledge of the structure and its phases of use. Once again Rome gives us valuable evidence of its past, which will allow us to better understand its millennial history.”

Rome, Roman bridge from the 2nd century B.C. discovered along the Via Tiburtina
Rome, Roman bridge from the 2nd century B.C. discovered along the Via Tiburtina


Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.