Excavations at the ancient city of Gabii, 11 miles east of Rome, have revealed a large stone-lined basin partly cut into bedrock. Archaeologists date the structure to about 250 BCE and suggest that, because of its position near the main crossroads, it may have served as a monumental pool linked to a forum or other public space.
The basin sits among other important finds. Earlier work exposed the Area F Building, a terraced complex cut into the volcanic crater slope. Together these features show that Roman builders adopted ideas from Greek models, such as paved plazas and terraces that combined utility with public display.
Gabii was settled in the Early Iron Age and became a rival to Rome before it was largely abandoned by 50 B.C. The site is now an archaeological park managed by Musei e Parchi Archeologici di Praeneste e Gabii. Fieldwork will continue next summer with support from the General Directorate of Museums, and researchers plan to clear the basin, study a nearby stone-paved area and investigate a thermal imaging anomaly that might be a temple or other civic building.
Difficult words
- architecture — The design and style of buildings.
- excavating — Digging to find something underground.
- monumental — Very large and important, often historic.
- urban — Related to a city or town.
- civic — Related to a city and its citizens.
- insights — Understanding of a complex situation.
- significant — Important and meaningful.
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Discussion questions
- How do you think the discovery will change our understanding of Roman history?
- What role do you think civic spaces play in modern cities?
- Why is it important to study ancient architecture?
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