THE luxurious but tragedy-stricken villa where the first Roman emperor, Augustus, is believed to have died has been unearthed after 2,000 years.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo say there are a number of clues that suggest the posh villa belonged to Augustus, who lived between 63 BC and 14 AD.
The 3,650-square-meter villa located at Somma Vesuviana, at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed on the day of the eruption in 79 AD.
The famous buried city of Pompeii was located on the mountain’s southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption.
The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time – namely, a private bath.
It boasts five large furnaces, which are presumed to have heated an enormous bath.
That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community.
Carbon found inside the furnace dates back to around the first century, and suggests they went cold not long after.
“There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site,” Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the University of Tokyo, said.
Muramatsu, who began an archaeological survey of the site in 2002, added: “It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible.”
The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse.
That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests.
“It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility,” said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo.
The researchers also said the bath was out of use around the same time Augustus died in 14 AD, and what appeared to be a large temple was later constructed on the site.
Augustus’ grave has never been found, but ancient records say he passed away at his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius.
Accounts from that period also say a memorial was built there in memory of his accomplishments – but the precise location of that villa has remained a mystery.
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers say another clue supporting their theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometres from Rome.
“Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens’ scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath,” said Aoyagi, who served as the first project head of the research team.
The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace in hopes of finding the remnants of ancient bath water.
A brief history of the Roman Empire
Here's what you need to know...
- The Roman Empire began shortly after the founding of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BC
- It reigned for around a thousand years until the fall of the last Western emperor in 476 AD
- During this time, the Romans ruled over many countries in Europe and parts of Africa and the Middle East
- At its height, 90 million people lived in the Roman Empire
- It evolved from a monarchy to a democratic republic to a military dictatorship and then was finally ruled by emperors
- One of the most well-known Roman leaders is Julius Caesar, famously assassinated in 44BC
- He is largely credited for his military mind and laying the foundations for the Roman Empire
- The spread of the Roman Empire into Britain in around 55 BC has had a lasting impact on our lives today
- Latin, straight roads, underfloor heating and the spread of Christianity are all attributed to the Romans
