Archaeologists in central Rome have uncovered the remains of homes dating to the late Roman Republic and early Empire, offering a rare glimpse at how working-class residents once lived.
The discovery, made during construction of a new underground station beneath Piazza Venezia, marks the first major find in the area since work on the Metro C line began in 2023. Experts say the Roman houses found in Rome belonged to a multistorey complex that likely combined shops with living quarters.
The structure is believed to date to the second and first centuries BC, a transitional period from the Republic to imperial rule. Archaeologists say the discovery provides valuable insight into the city’s social fabric, particularly into the lives of ordinary citizens, rather than the elite.
“Once again, the construction of a metro station makes us rediscover our city’s past,” said Daniela Porro, Rome’s special superintendent overseeing the excavation.
Archaeologist Marta Baumgartner called the discovery “an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the historical topography of central Rome.”
Plans for a metro station stalled for decades before work resumed
Plans for a station at Piazza Venezia were first introduced 25 years ago as part of the Metro C extension, designed to link the suburbs to central Rome at San Giovanni.
Dagli scavi per la Metro C emerge un quartiere popolare dell’antica Roma.
Proprio a Piazza Venezia, non lontano dal Foro Romano
Maria Egizia Fiaschetti, @Corriere pic.twitter.com/S3bf09kQwg— Franco Maria Fontana (@francofontana43) August 5, 2025
The project stalled for decades due to corruption investigations, lack of funding, and the sheer number of archaeological remains uncovered during early preparation, including the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s auditorium.
Renewed funding has allowed work to resume. The extension, built by Webuild and Vianini Lavori, will add new stops at the Roman Forum and Colosseum before reaching Piazza Venezia and continuing toward the Vatican area.
Blending modern transport with ancient heritage
The new station is expected to be among the most ambitious in Rome’s modern history. In addition to connecting major landmarks, it will house an underground museum 85 meters (279 feet) below the square to display the artifacts unearthed during construction.
The station will feature 27 escalators, six elevators, and underground passageways linking significant sites above ground, including Palazzo Venezia, the Vittoriano monument, and the ruins of the Roman Forum. Palazzo Venezia is historically notable as the site where Benito Mussolini delivered several of his most famous speeches.
Officials hope the project will ease traffic congestion in the city center while providing commuters and visitors with a direct view of Rome’s layered history. Completion of the extension and the museum is projected to take nine years.
The discovery of Roman houses found during metro construction reveals how working-class citizens lived centuries ago, offering rare insight into the city’s past as modern infrastructure transforms Piazza Venezia.
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