Archaeologists Unearth 2,000-Year-Old Roman Basilica in Italy Designed by Vitruvius
Unearthing the past is akin to opening a time capsule, where ancient stones whisper tales of bygone eras, offering glimpses into the secrets of long-lost genius. In a quiet Italian town, workers recently stumbled upon a discovery straight from the history books—a building linked to the figure who essentially codified the principles of Western architecture.
Discovery of a Roman Basilica in Fano
Archaeologists made a groundbreaking find while excavating Piazza Andrea Costa in Fano, located in Italy's Le Marche region. They uncovered a 2,000-year-old basilica, an ancient Roman public structure historically used for legal proceedings and commercial activities. This discovery has ignited local pride and captured global attention, transforming dusty historical theories into tangible reality.
The basilica perfectly aligns with descriptions provided by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, the renowned Roman architect who authored the seminal work "De Architectura." The architectural features, including ten columns along the long sides and four on the short ones, match Vitruvius's specifications, confirming this as his creation.
Historical Significance and Expert Reactions
Vitruvius, who resided in Fano—then known as Fanum Fortunae—during the 1st century BC, detailed this location in his book as a grand hall for trials and business transactions. For centuries, this site remained lost, with experts persistently searching for evidence of its existence.
Italy's Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, likened the discovery to Tutankhamun's tomb, stating it is "something that our grandchildren will be talking about." According to reports from Euronews, Fano Mayor Luca Serfilippi expressed, "For more than 2,000 years we have been waiting for this discovery," during the unveiling. Minister Giuli further emphasized, "Today in Fano, a fundamental piece of the mosaic that preserves the deepest identity of our country was discovered." He noted that this find effectively splits archaeological history into a "before and after" era.
Vitruvius's Enduring Legacy
Vitruvius's "Ten Books on Architecture" has inspired iconic figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, famously reflected in the Vitruvian Man sketch. As the only complete ancient text on architecture to survive, it has influenced building proportions for centuries. This basilica serves as the first physical proof of a structure actually built by Vitruvius, featuring columns approximately 15 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide on the side supports.
Impact on Fano and the Le Marche Region
This remarkable discovery shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked Le Marche region in eastern Italy. Culture Minister Giuli described it as "something exceptional in the history of archaeology, architecture, and the morphology of the city of Fano." Le Marche President Francesco Acquaroli views it as a significant boost for "tourism and culture" in the area. Additionally, Fano's Vitruvian Study Centre, which has promoted his legacy for over three decades, has gained renewed prominence due to this find.
