Rome’s Water Repairs Halted By Sudden Discovery Of Ancient Dog Statue, Tombs
Late last year, when workers were repairing Rome’s water system, they chanced upon a discovery only possible in one of the world’s most storied cities: an ancient dog statue.
The exciting find was announced on the first day of 2022, with the archaeological arm of the Italian Ministry of Culture saying that the sculpture of the canine was located in the city’s Appio Latino district, home to ancient villas and burial sites. In addition, three new tombs were found, halting construction works till they could be further looked at.
According to ARTnews, the ministry alluded that one of the tombs had evidence of a fire occurring in the past, which could explain why the site is no longer in use. It’s believed that the burial sites were part of a larger complex built between the 1st century BCE and 1st century CE.
The adorable dog statue, along with an urn, was chanced upon about half a meter (1.6 feet) below street level. Archaeologists determined that the sculpture had been made out of terra cotta, and resembled forms that were once part of the city’s drainage systems, but because it had no holes for water to pass through, it was probably intended just as a decorative piece.
“The discovery casts new light on an important context,” said Daniela Porro, the Special Superintendent of Rome., as per Forbes.
“Once again Rome shows important traces of the past in all its urban fabric.”
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[via ARTnews and Forbes, cover image via Cineberg Ug | Dreamstime.com]
