🏛️ A monumental structure from early Romans discovered 11 miles from Rome

Under the direction of Marcello Mogetta from the University of Missouri, a team of archaeologists has discovered a large stone basin in Gabii, a town located just 11 miles (18 km) east of Rome. This basin, partially excavated from the natural bedrock, dates to around 250 BCE and could represent one of the earliest forms of Roman monumental architecture beyond temples and defensive walls.

Its position in the center of the town, near the main crossroads, indicates it might have been part of the forum, the heart of public life in Roman cities. This structure offers a unique glimpse into the urban experiments of early Romans.


Gabii holds a special place in Roman history because, unlike Rome where ancient layers are buried beneath later constructions, it was largely abandoned around 50 BCE and later reoccupied on a small scale. This abandonment allowed exceptional preservation of the original streets and foundations, thus offering a rare window into Roman life in its early days. Archaeologists believe this unique preservation enables detailed study of urban development without the disruptions caused by centuries of continuous occupation.


Discoveries at Gabii, including the basin and a stepped architectural complex called the 'Building of Zone F,' illustrate Greek design's influence on early Roman architecture. Greek sites like the Parthenon and Agora introduced paved gathering spaces, terraces, and well-defined public areas, balancing visual impact with practical utility. Roman builders adapted these ideas for their own urban environments, showing a cultural exchange that shaped urban planning of the era.


Future excavations, planned for next summer with support from Italy's General Directorate of Museums, aim to explore the basin's contents and the surrounding area, which includes a large paved surface. Additionally, a 'feature' detected by thermal imaging nearby could be a temple or another civic building.

If confirmed, this structure would help explain artifacts already found, such as intact vases, lamps, and perfume containers, which might have been deposited as religious offerings or related to the ritual closure of the basin around 50 CE.


The ongoing work of the Gabii Project allows for preserving and studying the town's ancient history for future generations. A central question remains: did civic spaces emerge before religious centers, or vice versa? The answers could reveal whether politics or worship played a more important role in shaping Roman monumental landscapes.

By piecing together these clues, researchers hope not only to tell Gabii's story but also to understand how Roman architecture influenced the modern world.