Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery near Lago Fusaro, located within the famed Phlegraean Fields of Campania, Italy, unearthing the remains of what appears to be a lavish ancient Roman villa. This discovery was announced by the mayor of Bacoli, Josi Gerardo Della Ragione, who shared the news on social media, expressing excitement about finding submerged walls and rooms from this luxurious residence.
"¡Estaban bajo el agua! Se han descubierto muros y estancias de época romana en el lago Fusaro. Probablemente pertenecían a una lujosa villa," said Della Ragione, highlighting the significance of the find. The submerged villa has emerged due to the geological phenomenon of bradisism, which has been causing the ground levels to fluctuate over several years.
Since 2005, the ground level around the Lago Fusaro area has risen approximately 138 centimeters, with 20 centimeters of increase recorded just last year. According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, this continuous upward movement is linked to shifts related to subterranean magma and gas accumulation. The effects of bradisism have been subtle yet impactful, leading to increased seismic activity and prompting local authorities to set up preventive evacuation plans.
This geological phenomenon is not entirely new to the region, which is known for its volcanic activity and thermal springs. Lago Fusaro, once connected to the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Naples, now serves as the water body where this significant archaeological find rests.
The remains of the villa were identified through aerial imagery, which revealed foundations located not far from the historical Grotte dell’Acqua, ancient thermal cisterns from the Roman Imperial period. Della Ragione noted, "Los ambientes romanos serán objeto de estudios posteriores por parte de la Sopritendenza. Se encuentran no muy lejos de la Grotte dell’Acqua y dan la impresión de una lujosa villa con ambientes termales," indicating the luxurious features of this villa.
Baiae, the ancient Roman city adjacent to Lago Fusaro, was known as a luxurious resort town during the Roman Empire, frequented by the elite, including emperors. Known for its beautiful coastal views and thermal baths, the area attracted the wealthiest families seeking relaxation and pleasure. The region, called the Campi Flegrei or 'burning fields' by the Greeks, reflects its history as it was home to Greek colonies from the 8th century B.C. and later became favored by Roman aristocrats.
Over the years, many opulent residences rose along the shores of Lago Fusaro, and the villa now being excavated may share its roots with these grand estates. The history of Bacoli and its alluring thermal baths echo through the descriptors used by ancient poets who recounted the lavish lifestyle associated with the area—a place of indulgence and luxury.
While attractions like Pompeii and Herculaneum are often at the forefront of archaeological study, the Phlegraean Fields hold their share of cultural riches, waiting for modern explorations to reveal their secrets. The submerged remnants of this villa add another layer to the region’s complex historical narrative, hinting at the depth of human activity and the allure of this volcanic paradise.
Authorities will now work closely with archaeologists from the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Naples to thoroughly assess and study the villa's remains. This collaboration will help preserve the site and its treasures for future generations, inviting visitors to explore this unique glimpse of Italy's ancient past.
The findings at Lago Fusaro are expected to prompt greater interest not only from archaeologists but also from tourism and cultural historians eager to learn and share the story of ancient Roman life, particularly the lifestyles enjoyed by the elite of the time. Each step forward in this excavation could reveal mosaics, frescoes, and other artifacts, offering insights and connections to the grandeur of history just beneath the surface.
Overall, the rediscovery of the villa is not only about the past; it's linked to the present and the continuous effects of geological activity shaping landscapes and destinies. It serves as a reminder of how nature and human history intertwine, creating legacies well worth exploring.