A Sinkhole in the Heart of Rome Led to the Discovery of Ancient Ruins

In an unexpected turn of events, a sinkhole opened up in Rome’s historic Piazza della Rotonda, right in front of the iconic Pantheon.¹ This hole, revealed a remarkable archaeological treasure: imperial Roman paving stones dating back to the time of Marcus Agrippa.² While sinkholes have become a recurring problem in Rome, this incident uncovered a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of the Eternal City. This article explores the significance of the sinkhole discovery, the historical context of the uncovered ruins, and their underlying causes in Rome.

The Sinkhole Unveils Ancient Paving Stones

The sinkhole that appeared in the Piazza della Rotonda was approximately 10 square feet in size and over 8 feet deep. Archaeologists investigating the sinkhole made an extraordinary find—seven slabs of travertine, a sedimentary rock used in ancient Roman construction. These slabs were believed to be part of the original paving laid down during the construction of the Pantheon between 27 B.C. and 25 B.C. The stones were attributed to Marcus Agrippa, a friend of Emperor Augustus, who supervised the initial building of the Pantheon. However, the area underwent subsequent reconstructions and modifications in later centuries by emperors such as Hadrian, Septimius Severus, and Caracalla.

Interestingly, this sinkhole discovery was not entirely new. The paving stones were initially unearthed in the 1990s during the installation of service lines in the piazza. At that time, authorities chose to leave the stones in the ground. It was only during the sinkhole incident that these ancient artifacts were once again brought to light, offering a renewed insight into Rome’s rich history.

roma Voragine al Pantheon, cedono sampietrini e si apre buca profonda 2 metri https://t.co/BOFn187I8X notizie notizieroma pic.twitter.com/55yREwEOxR

— Roma Today (@romatoday) April 28, 2020

Sinkholes in Rome: A Growing Problem

The sinkhole phenomenon has become increasingly common in Rome over the past decade. Rome traditionally experienced around 30 per year, but starting in 2009, the number began to triple. In 2018, a record-breaking 175 were reported in the city, with 100 more occurring in 2019. In comparison, the city of Naples had only 20 reports in 2019.

The main cause of sinkholes in Rome is the presence of ancient human-made cavities resulting from quarrying, tunneling, and the construction of catacombs. These cavities weaken the stability of the ground, particularly after heavy rainfall. Eastern Rome, where materials were extensively quarried in ancient times, is particularly vulnerable to sinkhole formation. Moreover, Rome’s soft, sandy soil, combined with vehicle vibrations, contributes to the erosion of the ground, making it more susceptible to these holes.

Despite recognizing this recurring issue, progress in addressing the problem has been slow. In 2018, city officials announced a multi-million-euro plan to repair the city’s streets, but implementation has been challenging. Until these upgrades are complete, the occurrence of sinkholes may persist, occasionally revealing hidden architectural wonders like these paving stones.

Sinkhole Incident amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

The sinkhole incident in the Piazza della Rotonda took place during a time when Rome was under lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With travel restrictions in place, the normally bustling piazza was nearly empty, minimizing the risk of injuries resulting from the sinkhole’s collapse. The fortunate absence of people during this event highlights the peculiar timing of the discovery.

The sinkhole, measuring nearly 10 square feet and over 8 feet deep, emerged between the fountain in Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon, a popular tourist destination. The new hole drew attention to the growing concern of their presence in Rome, prompting discussions about the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The sinkhole that opened up in the heart of Rome’s Piazza della Rotonda provided a unique opportunity to uncover ancient Roman ruins dating back to the time of Marcus Agrippa. While sinkholes have become an increasingly common problem in Rome, they have inadvertently led to the rediscovery of hidden archaeological treasures. The incident emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to address the underlying causes of sinkholes and preserve Rome’s historical legacy. As the Eternal City grapples with these challenges, it remains a testament to the enduring significance of Rome’s archaeological riches.

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