Current:Home > Contact-usRemains of medieval palace where popes lived possibly found in Rome-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Remains of medieval palace where popes lived possibly found in Rome
View Date:2024-12-23 19:08:33
Archaeologists in Rome may have uncovered the remains of a medieval palace for popes that long preceded the Vatican, officials announced on Wednesday. If the ancient structure did in fact serve the purpose they believe it does, then learning more about it could provide new insight into the earlier eras of the papal seat in Italy and the power struggles that shaped it over time.
While excavating a piazza around the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in central Rome, a team of archaeologists happened to discover an advanced hidden structure, surrounded by walls that could have been built as early as the 9th century A.D., and as late as the 13th century, the Italian Ministry of Culture said in a news release.
The wall was potentially constructed as a means to physically create and protect the patriarchate of the time, which consisted of the patriarch, or leader, as well as his office. It may have encircled a castle or other fortified structure where various popes were said to have lived during the years it still stood.
Italian officials said that the remains could have ties to the former Roman Emperor Constantine, who would have begun to oversee construction on the building, in his own vision, in the 4th century. Constantine ordered the construction on the same site that held barracks for the emperor's mounted card. Although the patriarchate was first limited to only a basilica — which was huge on its own — the area was expanded and renovated multiple times throughout the Middle Ages and ultimately became the papal seat until conflict with France temporarily pushed the popes out of Italy in 1305. When they returned, the papal seat was transferred to the Vatican.
What archaeologists found beneath the square in Rome marked the first extensive excavation of its kind on the property, and with that, a number of opportunities to learn about Italy's history and its connections to the Pope and Catholicism.
"The new discoveries in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano are yet another demonstration of the richness of the territory of Rome, an inexhaustible mine of archaeological treasures," said Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sanguiliano in a statement.
"Every single stone speaks to us and tells its story: thanks to these important discoveries, archaeologists will be able to learn more about our past. I would like to express my satisfaction for the commitment and passion that researchers are putting into their work. It is essential to combine the protection of our history with the need to protect and modernize the urban fabric," the statement said.
The basilica structure that existed within the borders of the walls found in the excavation took a long period of time to plan, build and renovate, according to the culture ministry. During that period, Rome faced intermittent raids from neighboring adversaries as well as conflict within the city of Rome itself, as aristocratic people vied for access to the Italian throne.
After the papal seat was returned to Italy — having been pushed from there to Avignon for decades between 1309 and 1377, the terms of seven consecutive popes between 1309 and 1377 — it was ultimately transferred to the Vatican.
- In:
- Vatican City
- Italy
- Archaeologist
- Pope
Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.
Twitter InstagramveryGood! (4)
Related
- Up to 20 human skulls found in man's discarded bags, home in New Mexico
- Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh: Fifth selection could be like No. 1 draft pick
- 2 teens, 1 adult killed within 20 minutes in multiple shootings in New York City: Police
- Walz takes his State of the State speech on the road to the southern Minnesota city of Owatonna
- Tom Brady Admits He Screwed Up as a Dad to Kids With Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bündchen
- Deadly shootings at bus stops: Are America's buses under siege from gun violence?
- 'Euphoria' Season 3 delayed, HBO says cast can 'pursue other opportunities': Reports
- A list of major US bridge collapses caused by ships and barges
- Federal judge denies request to block measure revoking Arkansas casino license
- A school bus company where a noose was found is ending its contract with St. Louis Public Schools
Ranking
- The Latin Grammys are almost here for a 25th anniversary celebration
- Court says 2 of 4 men charged in Moscow attack admit guilt as suspects show signs of beating
- A year after deadly Nashville shooting, Christian school relies on faith -- and adopted dogs
- The long struggle to free Evan Gershkovich from a Moscow prison
- US overdose deaths are down, giving experts hope for an enduring decline
- Tennessee Senate tweaks bill seeking to keep tourism records secret for 10 years
- 'Yellowstone' actor claims he was kicked off plane after refusing to sit next to masked passenger
- Animal chaplains offer spiritual care for every species
Recommendation
-
Crews battle 'rapid spread' conditions against Jennings Creek fire in Northeast
-
Caitlin Clark returns to action Saturday as Iowa meets Colorado in women's NCAA Tournament
-
Dollar Tree to increase max price in stores to $7, reports higher income shoppers
-
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' homes raided by law enforcement as part of investigation, reports say
-
Man found dead in tanning bed at Indianapolis Planet Fitness; family wants stricter policies
-
Last Call for the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Here Are the 41 Best Last-Minute Deals
-
The 4 worst-performing Dow Jones stocks in 2024 could get worse before they get better
-
Animal chaplains offer spiritual care for every species