A recent excavation of an ancient art center in Rome is the most monumental discovery in 80 years, according to archaeologists.
The center, uncovered beneath one of the city’s busiest streets, was built by the emperor Hadrian in 123 A.D. Featuring three enormous halls and marble terraced seating, the center hosted poetry and speech performances for Roman nobles.
“Hadrian’s auditorium is the biggest find in Rome since the Forum was uncovered in the 1920s,” Rossella Rea, the dig’s supervising archaeologist, explained.
The site was discovered thanks to recent excavations for a new subway.
Rea said: “We don’t have funds for these kinds of digs so this has come to light thanks to the new line.”
Though the discovery may hinder the subway construction, Rea believes the ruins can be left intact beside the new station.
“I believe we can run one of the exits from the station along the original corridor of the complex where Romans entered the halls,” she said.