Roman Metro C excavation reveals layered ancient city at Piazza Venezia

Construction for Rome's new Metro C station at Piazza Venezia has uncovered a stratified archaeological site spanning from the late Republican period through the Middle Ages. The excavation, led by the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma, revealed a multi-story complex from the late Republican and early Imperial periods, including shops and residential insulae for the lower classes. Medieval finds include a basalt-paved section of the ancient Via Flaminia, overlaid with beaten earth layers indicating continuous use, and lime kilns (calcare) used for transforming marble into quicklime, evidence of medieval craftsmanship. The site's palimpsest of eras will be integrated into the future station as an underground museum, allowing visitors to walk among the ruins. The project is commissioned by Roma Metropolitane for Roma Capitale and executed by Metro C, led by Webuild and Vianini Lavori. Soprintendente Daniela Porro emphasized the fascination of the excavation and the commitment to preserving the finds. The construction timeline remains on schedule.