San Casciano Roman baths in Siena reveal sacred treasure
The ancient site of Roman baths at San Casciano dei Bagni, a small hamlet in Siena, has revealed yet more treasures. The lead archaeologist calls it “a site without equal”.
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Tag: history
‘Nero’s Bridge’ revealed as river Tiber level drops
Every cloud has a silver lining, as the saying goes. And whilst the severe drought in Italy is a rather large cloud, the lining is that an archaeological treasure – Nero’s bridge – has come to light.
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On this day in history: Death of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley
English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley died on 8th July, 1822 while travelling from Livorno in Tuscany to Lerici in Liguria. He was sailing his boat, Don Juan, in in the Gulf of La Spezia.
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Verona floor mosaic could have been part of ‘Theodoric the Great’s’ villa
Gas pipe replacement uncovers floor mosaic at Montorio outside Verona. It is believed to be part of a villa owned by Theodoric the Great.
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On this day in history: Perfumier Johann Maria Farina born
Johann Maria Farina, the Italian perfumier, was born on 8th December, 1685. He invented the fragrance, Eau de Cologne.
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On this day in History: Agostino Chigi born
A major sponsor of artists during the Renaissance, banker Agostino Chigi was born on 29th November, 1466 in Siena.
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On this day in history: Giuseppe Volpi born in Venice
Businessman and politician Count Giuseppe Volpi of Misurata was born on 19th November, 1877 in Venice. He brought electricity to Venice and founded the Venice Film Festival.
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On this day in history: St Peter’s Basilica Rome consecrated
On 18th November 1626, St Peter’s Basilica in Rome was completed and consecrated. It replaced the fourth century Basilica constructed over what was believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter.
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On this day in history: Constantine wins Battle of Chrysopolis
On 18th September 324AD, the two roman emperors – Constantine I and Licinius – fought in the Battle of Chrysopolis.
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Colosseum fully opens underground tunnels for the first time
The Hypogeum, or ‘backstage’, of Rome’s Colosseum is fully open to the public for the first time. The restored walkways allow visitors to fully explore the underground tunnels and chambers of the 2,000-year-old monument.
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