If you're looking for Ancient Roman artifacts, the sewers might be just the place to start.
This “cippus,” or border stone, from the time of Ancient Roman Emperor Claudius was uncovered in Piazza Augusto Imperatore in Rome during works to upgrade the area's sewer system.
Dating back to 49 AD, the stone was found still embedded in the ground. These so-called “cippi” formed the “pomerium,” a sacred boundary separating the city (urbs) from the external territory (ager).
The inscription identifies Emperor Claudius and his numerous titles, including “Pontiff of State Religions, Supreme Military Commander and Father of the Country.” The words “auctis populi Romani” indicate the expansion of the Roman nation.
For now, the “cippus” is on display in the Paladino Room in the Ara Pacis Museum, beside a statue of the Emperor Claudius himself. Later, it will be relocated to the Mausoleum of Augustus nearby.
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Zètema Progetto Cultura
