Roman villa linked to Pliny the Elder unearthed in Miseno
During the redevelopment of Punta Sarparella park in Miseno, Bacoli, a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century AD has been discovered. This structure, constructed in opus reticulatum and featuring tuff cubilia, comprises approximately ten spacious rooms that exhibit evidence of renovations. According to the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Arti e Paesaggio per l'Area Metropolitana di Napoli, this villa likely belonged to the Prefect of the Roman fleet, Pliny the Elder, in AD 79, who observed the eruption of Vesuvius from this location. This find comes after the restoration of an area that had suffered from illegal building activities. Mayor Josi Gerardo della Ragione of Bacoli highlighted its importance, and further excavations are planned, with the site to be enclosed for public access.
Key facts
- A Roman villa from the 1st century AD was discovered at Punta Sarparella in Miseno, Bacoli.
- The villa is built in opus reticulatum with tuff cubilia and extends to the beach.
- About ten large rooms were found, indicating multiple construction phases.
- The Soprintendenza Archeologia, Arti e Paesaggio per l'Area Metropolitana di Napoli conducted the excavation.
- The villa may be part of the residence of the Prefect of the Classis Misenensis, a role held by Pliny the Elder in AD 79.
- From Punta Sarparella, Pliny the Elder would have seen the Vesuvius eruption before sailing to Stabiae.
- The discovery is linked to the reclamation of an area previously occupied by the Lido Piranha, demolished in 2007.
- Mayor Josi Gerardo della Ragione of Bacoli emphasized the discovery's importance.
Entities
Artists
- Pliny the Elder
- Pliny the Younger
- Tacitus
Institutions
- Soprintendenza Archeologia, Arti e Paesaggio per l'Area Metropolitana di Napoli
- Classis Misenensis
- Municipality of Bacoli
Locations
- Miseno
- Bacoli
- Punta Sarparella
- Gulf of Naples
- Pompeii
- Herculaneum
- Stabiae
- Vesuvius
- Italy