Ancient Beach House Unearthed During Construction Work After 2000 Years

A project aimed at constructing a children’s playground and recreation area south of Naples, Italy, has unexpectedly led to the discovery of the ruins of a clifftop beach house dating back 2,000 years. The mansion, believed to have been built in the first century, offers panoramic views of the islands of Ischia and Procida. Experts speculate that it might have been the opulent residence of Pliny the Elder, a renowned author, naturalist, and commander of the Roman navy fleet stationed in the region. The mansion’s ruins, found in the coastal town of Bacoli, were submerged in the sea due to “negative bradyseism,” a phenomenon involving the gradual descent of the earth’s surface into the sea in areas exposed to frequent volcanic activity.

The archaeological discovery, made last week, unveiled thick perimeter stone walls of 10 large rooms with floors, tiled walls, and a network of intact panoramic outdoor terraces. These structures suggest a grand villa with a 360-degree view of the Gulf of Naples, possibly serving strategic military purposes. The villa is believed to have been situated within the Roman port at Misenum, an essential location for the Roman navy’s control of the Tyrrhenian Sea, securing the western flank of the Roman Empire.

Simona Formola, the lead archaeologist at Naples’ art heritage, noted that the villa’s excavation could reveal more rooms and potentially uncover frescoes and other valuable artifacts. The elaborate style of the walls, constructed with diamond-shaped tufa (limestone) blocks, surprised authorities. The villa extends down to a deteriorating stone dock now situated about four meters below sea level. The ongoing archaeological digs aim to explore not only the villa itself but also gain insights into the broader life and structure of Misenum.

The unique aspect of this archaeological site is its underwater location, contributing to the mystery surrounding the Roman port of Misenum. The villa would have served not only as a lookout point but also as a leisure destination. Pliny the Elder’s private dock would have welcomed high-ranking guests arriving by sea for extravagant parties. The region of Bacoli was a popular destination for ancient Romans, attracted by vacation homes, thermal baths, and spa retreats.

Bacoli is located within the “Phlegraean Fields,” an area known for natural geysers and small active craters. Due to its volcanic activity, the ancients considered it the entrance to the underworld, referring to it as “the Mouth of Hell.” Pliny the Elder might have witnessed the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 from this villa, as it is known he died while trying to rescue people during the catastrophic event.

While archaeologists were taken by surprise, local lore had long speculated about an underground treasure in the location. The site will soon transform into an open-air museum, allowing citizens and visitors to admire the ruins, which will be cleaned, cordoned-off, and showcased in a beautiful space. The unexpected discovery provides a unique opportunity to explore ancient Roman history, shedding light on the lives of the elite and the strategic importance of coastal settlements during the Roman Empire.