Ruins of Emperor Caligula’s Garden UncoveredRuins of Emperor Caligula’s Garden Uncovered Archaeologists working near the Vatican have discovered the remains of an ancient garden that is believed to have belonged to Roman Emperor Caligula. The Italian Ministry of Culture announced the find on Thursday. Excavation Details The garden was unearthed during construction work for a new pedestrian square connecting Castel Sant’Angelo to St. Peter’s Basilica. The excavations revealed a travertine wall, the foundations of a colonnade, and a garden. A lead water pipe with the name of the water supply owner was also found, suggesting that it may have belonged to Caligula. Historical Significance The discovery confirms literary references that link the area to Caligula, who ruled Rome from 37 to 41 AD. The site was once known for its lavish imperial residences overlooking the Tiber River. Architectural Features The garden featured unusual mythological scenes depicted in figurative terracottas. These terracottas were initially used to decorate roofs but were later reused as covers for sewers. Jubilee Preparations The excavations are part of the Vatican’s preparations for the 2025 Jubilee, a holy year that is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome. The pedestrian square project, including the tunnel to divert traffic underground, is scheduled for completion in December.
The Italian Ministry of Culture reports that archaeological excavations near the Vatican have uncovered the remains of an ancient garden overlooking the right bank of the Tiber River, which was probably owned by the Roman Emperor Caligula
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GIADA ZAMPANO Associated Press
July 4, 2024, 3:30 PM ET
2 min read
ROME — Archaeological excavations near the Vatican have unearthed the remains of an ancient garden on the right bank of the Tiber that probably belonged to Roman Emperor Caligula, Italy’s Culture Ministry said Thursday.
The discovery was made during construction work for a pedestrian square connecting Castel Sant’Angelo to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Via della Conciliazione boulevard, two of Rome’s most visited tourist attractions.
In ancient times, the area housed prestigious imperial residences overlooking the Tiber, with spectacular porticos, promenades and gardens. What remains underground are a travertine wall, the foundations of a colonnade and a garden, the ministry said.
During the excavations a lead water pipe was also found with the name of the owner of the water supply and probably also of the garden.
The details suggest that Caligula was the son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder, and emperor of Rome from 37 to 41, the ministry said. There are also literary references that seem to confirm the location’s connection to Caligula.
The excavations also revealed an important series of figurative terracottas used to decorate roofs, with unusual mythological scenes. The terracottas were reused as covers for the sewers, but were probably originally intended to cover a structure in the garden, the ministry said.
The construction project is part of the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee, a holy year expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. The run-up to the Jubilee has included the launch of dozens of long-delayed construction projects, including the €79.5 million piazza, which will include a tunnel beneath it that will divert traffic underground.
The project, located in Piazza Pia, is expected to be completed in December.
