Pantheon, the imperial pavement of the square is exposed

The Pantheon continues to reveal ancient wonders that have remained hidden: the archaeological investigations following the opening of a hole in Piazza della Rotonda have brought to light the ancient flooring of the imperial era.
    The seven travertine slabs, which are located at an altitude of about 2.30 / 2.70 meters below the road surface with dimensions of about 80 by 90 centimeters for a thickness of 30 centimeters, were first found in the years 90 of the last century on the occasion of the construction of a tunnel of underground utilities, and the excavation was detected and documented.
    "After more than twenty years from their first discovery - explains Daniela Porro, Special Superintendent of Rome - the slabs of the ancient pavement of the square in front of the Pantheon emerge intact, protected by a layer of fine pozzolan. An unequivocal demonstration of how important protection is archaeological, not only an opportunity for knowledge, but fundamental for the conservation of the testimonies of our history, an invaluable patrimony in particular in a city like Rome ".
    In imperial times the square was much larger than the current one and opened in front of the Pantheon, the temple dedicated to all the gods built by Agrippa between 27 and 25 BC. The area was completely renovated in the second century after Christ by the emperor Hadrian, and the square was also raised and again paved. The altitudes where the slabs are located, now brought to light, appear to be pertinent to the Hadrianic phase of the complex.
    The construction site at first headed by the I Municipio, then handed over to Acea, will continue in the next few days for the restoration of water and with further archaeological investigations by the Special Superintendence of Rome in collaboration with the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.