A Legendary Relic Discovered in the Lagoon’s Depths
In the depths of Italy’s Venetian Lagoon, a remarkable discovery has been made by archaeologists from the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. During their third campaign of excavations, they unearthed a stunning relic – an ancient oval-shaped agate gem inscribed with a legendary figure standing and holding something over its shoulder.
Uncovering a Wealthy Roman Estate
The discovery of this exquisite gem lends credence to the theory that the site, now submerged beneath the lagoon, was once an expansive beachfront estate owned by wealthy Romans. The remains of the Roman Villa of Lio Piccolo and its associated buildings have been engulfed by the waters of the lagoon for nearly 1,900 years.
Professor Carlo Beltrame, who is leading the study, expressed the rarity of such a find in a lagoon environment, stating, “The discovery is truly unique for a lagoon habitat.”
A Glimpse into Roman Aquaculture
Previous excavations at the site have revealed fascinating insights into the Roman practice of aquaculture. Rectangular brick basins dating back to the first and second centuries were uncovered, suggesting they were used for the preservation of oysters – a delicacy in Roman culture.
Moreover, archaeologists have discovered brick walkways, numerous valuable fresco fragments, and sections of a black-and-white mosaic, further attesting to the opulence of this ancient Roman estate.
A Stone’s Throw from Venice
The Roman Villa of Lio Piccolo is situated less than ten kilometers from the iconic city of Venice, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the region’s rich history and the lives of its affluent residents centuries ago.
As the excavations continue, archaeologists eagerly anticipate uncovering more secrets hidden beneath the Venetian Lagoon, shedding light on the grandeur of Roman civilization and the ingenious ways in which they harnessed the natural environment for their luxurious lifestyles.
