A new archeological discovery is always something to celebrate. Rome is the kind of city where there may well be newly discovered artifacts for years to come, thanks to its rich history and fascinating heritage. Keep reading to find out about the city’s most recent find and what other ancient ruins you can visit in Rome.

The Newly Discovered Shrine To Romulus

Roulus shrine
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In February 2020, Italian archeologists revealed to the press that a dig site in Rome has uncovered a find that is linked to the legendary founder and first king of the city, Romulus. It is thought that the find is actually a shrine dating back 2,600 years and was originally dedicated to Romulus.

The archeologists discovered the shrine, which resembles a tomb, beneath the ancient senate house known as the Curia Julia in the Roman Forum. It contains a stone coffin and cylindrical stone block that might have been an altar. Both items were carved from materials sourced from Capitoline Hill in Rome.

It isn’t likely that that coffin actually once contained the remains of Romulus, but was built around 200 years after his time. Officials hope that the site will be open to the public to explore in around two years’ time.

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Wander Through What’s Left Of The Domus Aurea

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While we’re waiting for the new shrine to become available for public viewing, there are plenty of other historical sites to visit in Rome. For those with an interest in ancient history, in particular, the Domus Aurea is an essential stop on the Roman itinerary.

Now ruins, the site was once the lavish palace of the notorious Emperor Nero. Legend has it that Nero played the lyre during the Great Fire of Rome in 64 A.D. and had his ornate palace built after the aristocratic villas on Palatine Hill were lost to the fire.

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The site is available exclusively through a guided tour, as it has historically been closed a number of times due to stability issues. The tour includes a virtual reality component that allows visitors to see what the palace would have looked like in Nero’s day.

Check Out Castel Sant’Angelo

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Built between 123 and 139 A.D., the Castel Sant’Angelo is sometimes known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. Originally, the building was intended to serve as a mausoleum for the emperor and his family members but was later used for a variety of reasons. Castel Sant’Angelo now serves as a museum although it has also been used as a castle, a prison, and a fortress by the popes of Rome.

Castel Sant’Angelo lies on the banks of the Tiber and is only a short distance from the Vatican. Within the walls of the building, tourists will find cells that once interred prominent historical figures, papal residences, a collection of weapons, and preserved Renaissance frescoes.

One thing that Castel Sant’Angelo offers that other museums don’t is a spectacular view of the surrounding city. The view can be seen from the terrace on the top floor of the building.

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See The Baths Of Caracalla

tourists at the Baths Of Caracalla
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The advanced plumbing structure of Ancient Rome is still the stuff of legend, and there are several remnants across Europe and the United Kingdom of the bathhouses that Romans used to enjoy. Aside from those in the town of Bath in England, some of the most famous are the Baths of Caracalla.

These once served as the second-largest Roman public baths and roughly date back to the year 212 A.D. Throughout history, the baths have been damaged a number of times, most recently in 2016 when an earthquake hit central Italy.

The baths were once the most lavish and extravagant of their kind in antiquity, but many of their treasures were looted over the centuries. But it is still possible to explore the ruins and imagine what they looked like in Ancient Rome.

The Colosseum And The Roman Forum Are Essential

Tourist at the Colosseum
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You don’t visit Rome without dropping by the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, even if you’re not a history enthusiast. Although obvious, it needs to be said that these landmarks must be on any first-timer’s Roman bucket list.

The Colosseum was built under the emperors Vespasian and Titus and could hold up to 80,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial battles, war reenactments, executions, and performances of Classical Mythology. Guided tours during the day and night are available today, showcasing the narrow corridors and underground passages of the amphitheater.

Located nearby, the Roman Forum was the heart of life and politics in Ancient Rome. It contains several structures and remnants of government buildings and other constructions that have been preserved. Tourists can purchase admission tickets that give them access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum at the same time.

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