Rome, funerary area with decorated tombs discovered in the Ostiense Necropolis

“This discovery – declares the Special Superintendent of Rome, Daniela Porro – confirms the extraordinary complexity of the archaeological heritage of the city, which continues to emerge even in contexts affected by urban transformations. The quality of the structures, the organization of the spaces and the richness of the decorative apparatus represent an important opportunity for scientific study. The Superintendence will guarantee the full protection of the complex and will launch a significant valorisation project, to return the results of the research to the citizens”.

From the excavation, directed by Diletta Menghinello, archaeologist of the Special Superintendence of Rome, a nucleus of five imperial-era funerary buildings with a quadrangular plan with vaulted roof emerged, at about one meter deep, aligned from north-east to south-west and preceded by two smaller structures. A sixth building, similar to the others but perpendicular to them, suggests, together with the remains of further rooms, the organization of the complex around an internal courtyard. “The excavation of the tombs – explains Menghinello – most likely identifiable as columbaria, environments equipped with niches intended to house the cinerary urns, is still in a preliminary phase. In the limited portion currently visible of the burial chambers, it is however already possible to recognize an elaborate decorative apparatus, consisting of plaster frescoed in bands and vegetal motifs, stuccos, aedicules adorned with figures of Roman funerary symbolism (such as Oranti or Winged Victories). The continuation of the excavation could allow the discovery of numerous furnishing elements, epigraphs and floor coverings”.

In the area closest to the road, at gradually greater depths, an apsed hall and another large room with remains of mosaic flooring, both in brick, were brought to light, the function of which will become clear as the investigation proceeds. In late ancient times, a much more modest necropolis was established behind the monumental sector occupied by the tombs of the imperial age, from which it was separated by a long wall made of tuff blocks: scant grave goods accompany simple pit burials, superimposed on each other in dense succession. The particularly rich and stratified context can be traced back to the vast Necropolis of the Via Ostiense, which developed between the late Republican age and the late Empire, of which the sectors of the Ostiense Sepulcret and the Rupe di San Paolo are currently visible.

“These archaeological discoveries – reflects Luigi La Rocca, Head of the Department for the Protection of Cultural Heritage – highlight how a regulatory tool, i.e. the preventive verification of archaeological interest, constitutes an opportunity for research and knowledge of the history of Rome, which never ceases to amaze with its stratification, and provides, at the same time, the opportunity to reflect on the theme of the conservation of the rediscovered heritage and its possible integration into the fabric and needs of the modern city, in an urban sector affected by profound transformations”.

The new discoveries, spread over a long period of time between the early imperial age and late antiquity, constitute a discovery of great importance, capable of providing new and precious information on the topographic layout, as well as on the anthropological, epigraphic and material culture aspects of the Ostiense Necropolis.