Ancient Roman Firefighters’ Barracks May Have Been Found
The find includes mosaics and frescoes that resemble decorations in a known Vigiles barracks, raising a possible link to Rome’s night watch and firefighters.
- Archaeologists uncovered a building near the Colosseum in Aug featuring mosaics and frescoes that may have served as barracks for ancient Roman firefighters known as the Vigiles, according to the archaeological office.
- The mosaic's design closely resembles one previously discovered in a firefighters' barracks in Ostia, the ancient port of Rome, about 30 km from the capital; this similarity supports the Vigiles theory.
- Researchers have fully excavated five of the building's eight rooms at Villa Celimontana on the Caelian Hill, discovering sophisticated decorations including a mosaic depicting a dolphin, fish, lobster, and crab surrounding a vase.
- The building may belong to the barracks of the Fifth Cohort of the Vigiles, responsible for firefighting and maintaining public order in ancient Rome. Excavations were funded by post-COVID economic recovery funds.
- An alternative hypothesis suggests the building could be a patrician residence, or domus, typical of the Caelian Hill. The superintendency said "only a thorough study of the excavation materials and the structures exposed will provide further information" on the site.
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Archaeologists uncover ancient Roman structure near the Colosseum with mosaics resembling firefighters' barracks
In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists have unearthed a second-century building adjacent to the iconic Colosseum in Rome. This newly found structure boasts intricate mosaics and elaborately painted ceilings, hinting at its significant role in ancient society. While it bears resemblance to known firefighters' barracks from that era, some experts speculate it could also have been a luxurious Roman residence. Ongoing research aims to unveil its …
Ancient Roman firefighters barracks may have been found near Colosseum - The Tribune
Archaeologists have uncovered a second-century building with mosaics and frescoes near the Colosseum that may have been barracks used by ancient Roman firefighters, the city’s archaeological office said on Wednesday. Five of the building’s eight rooms have been fully excavated in the Villa Celimontana park, a former noble residence dating back to the 16th century […]
Or maybe it was a patrician's house, archaeologists are not sure yet. If firefighters did live here, it means that the most important military complex in contemporary Rome was larger than previously thought.
During the excavations in the center of Rome, scientists came across a second - century facility, likely barracks belonging to the Roman fire department.
The Scent of Ancient Rome in St. Louis
Unknown artist, “Statue of Trajan from Minturno” (end of the 1st century–beginning of the 2nd century CE), marble, to the left of four marble busts (image courtesy the Saint Louis Art Museum, all other photos Eileen G’Sell/Hyperallergic)ST. LOUIS — A lilac arcade of undulating arches, a box redolent of honey and rose petals, a slender-necked vessel of iridescent glass. Flouting the masculine connotations of the Roman Empire, Ancient Splendor: Ro…
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