Gaby
Archaeologists working in Rome’s historic center during restoration projects have uncovered ruins beneath Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano that once belonged to a grand complex. Researchers believe that in the Middle Ages the site served as the papal residence, complete with defensive works and a monumental basilica called the Patriarchium. Emperor Constantine commissioned the basilica in the 4th century AD after he declared Christianity the official religion of Rome, the Daily Mail reports.
Researchers say the walls were built from large volcanic blocks probably reused from even older buildings. There are signs the walls were repaired and rebuilt several times over the centuries.
The Italian Ministry of Culture says that during the Middle Ages the structure was frequently expanded and renovated. Officials also say the period when the site served as the official papal residence was marked by violent feuds among Rome’s aristocratic families, so the walls around the ancient basilica may have served a defensive purpose.
“The construction of the structure just described took place over an extended period when Rome was subject to Saracen raids, and there were continuous clashes among aristocratic families, sometimes fierce,” the ministry stated. Officials also mentioned that in 1305 the papal administration was moved to Avignon, France; it returned to Rome in 1377, the Independent reports.
Once the papal residence was established in the Vatican, the need for a defensive wall around the Patriarchium diminished. The complex fell out of use and was eventually buried, its memory fading for centuries.
“The discovery at Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano is yet another confirmation that the territory of Rome is an inexhaustible source of archaeological treasures,” the Italian Ministry of Culture declared.
The ministry described the discovery as a major find.
According to the ministry, this finding holds “extraordinary significance” for Rome and its medieval history, especially since large-scale archaeological excavations had not previously been conducted in this region.
“Every stone here tells us its story; thanks to these important discoveries, archaeologists will be able to learn more about our past,” the ministry said.
