The discovery is located 15 kilometers from Naples, in the Campania region. Builders constructing a children’s playground and recreational area were the first to stumble upon the ruins of a respectable residence. Following this, archaeologists arrived on-site to study the remnants of the building and draw initial conclusions about it.
What the Archaeologists Found
The panoramic villa, which overlooks the islands of Ischia and Procida, is currently partially submerged in the sea. Experts believe that in the 1st century AD, it could have been the luxurious residence of Pliny the Elder, the legendary thinker, naturalist, and commander of the naval fleet.
Researchers uncovered the remains of thick stone walls, the ruins of ten large rooms with floors, as well as tiled walls and a labyrinth of panoramic open terraces.
More than two thousand years ago, the villa was situated in the territory of the Roman port of Misenum, as reported by CNN. For four centuries, the local fleet of 70 ships controlled the Tyrrhenian Sea, protecting the western flank of the Roman Empire.
It is highly likely that the windows of this grand villa offered a 360-degree view of the Bay of Naples. This was crucial for strategic military purposes, noted leading Italian archaeologist Simona Formola. She believes that excavating deeper layers will reveal even more valuable finds—rooms and even frescoes.
The team was impressed by the intricate style of the wall construction. They were made of diamond-shaped tuff blocks that resembled a mesh pattern.
Near the villa, there is a small, semi-ruined stone dock, currently submerged at a depth of four meters. The fact that this and other parts of the excavated villa ended up underwater is common in areas that frequently experience volcanic activity.
According to experts, Pliny the Elder’s beach villa not only served as a lookout point but was also used for leisure. Here, the host welcomed noble guests arriving by sea for lavish parties. In those times, many ancient Romans flocked to the Bacoli area to enjoy relaxation in their beach houses and water treatments in the baths.
The town of Bacoli is located in the area known as the Phlegraean Fields (or “Fiery Plains”). This region is rich in natural geysers and tiny active craters, making it prone to natural disasters even today. It is quite possible that Pliny the Elder witnessed the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD while he was at this villa. It is known that he perished while trying to save people fleeing from the deadly lava.
What’s Next?
While the archaeologists were amazed by the discovery, local residents had long suspected the existence of underground treasures in this area. On the beach near the walls of the discovered villa, there are other brick ruins. So, it is possible that this is part of a large complex of ancient residential buildings.
During the excavations, which will continue in the coming months, regional authorities hope to shed light not only on the shape and purpose of the beach villa but also on the history of Misenum, one of the most important colonies of the Roman Empire. “This discovery is exceptional considering how little we know about the port of Misenum,” noted Ms. Formola.
Moreover, in the coming weeks, this site will become an open-air museum. “The ruins of the Roman villa will be cleaned and surrounded by wooden fences,” announced the city hall of Bacoli.