The discovery of the ruins of an important temple in the small town of Sarsina, Italy, will enhance our modern understanding of how “ancient Roman towns rose and fell over time.”
Sarsina: A Frontier of the Roman Empire
Sarsina is a quaint rural town with a mere 3,000 residents, nestled among the pristine Apennine Mountains in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, surrounded by stunning landscapes and flocks of grazing sheep.
Despite its glorious past as a strategic defensive outpost of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the famous playwright Plautus, today there isn’t much to do besides hiking and birdwatching.
Ruins of an ancient Roman temple dating back to the first century BC.
While both locals and tourists agree that the rustic lifestyle and slow pace contribute to Sarsina’s charm, residents are nevertheless eagerly awaiting the construction of a development that includes a new supermarket, fitness center, and playground. However, things did not go according to the original plan.
This is because workers at a site on the outskirts of town uncovered the ruins of an ancient Roman temple – or “capitolium” – dating back to the first century BC in December 2022.
In early July, the first glimpse of the underground treasure was revealed: a magnificent structure consisting of horizontal sandstone blocks and marble slabs, covering 577 square meters, which researchers have identified as the podium upon which the columns and walls of an ancient temple were constructed.
The Triad of Gods: Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva
The lead archaeologist at the excavation site, Romina Pirraglia, stated: “We have uncovered three separate rooms, likely dedicated to the triad of gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Excavations are still ongoing… The entire temple may be even larger than what we currently see.”
According to Pirraglia, the discovery of the main temple in an important Roman city that served as a commercial center as well as a site for religious and social interactions further emphasizes Sarsina’s strategic role within the Roman Empire. The town was built in a significant mountainous area near the Tuscan border and overlooks the Savio River, an important waterway connecting central and northern Roman cities.
The discovery of the temple has compelled local authorities to revise their building plans. Federica Gonzato, the director of archaeology, fine arts, and landscape for the provinces of Ravenna, Rimini, and Forlì-Cesena, which includes Sarsina, is determined to preserve the site and conduct further research into its magnificent past.
Gonzato remarked: “We will not demolish it to make way for modern architecture; this must be very clear. Previous urban plans will be altered, and we will seek new construction sites for recreational and sports purposes. The temple is an incredible discovery, shedding light on the rise and fall of ancient Roman towns over time.”
Romina Pirraglia noted that the discovery of the temple has provided archaeologists with “the opportunity to realize what other unique relics and structures might lie beneath the surface” in Sarsina.
Gonzato believes that this finding will facilitate deeper research into the demographics and urban transformations of ancient times. An ancient drainage system has been found along with medieval graves and hearths, suggesting that locals may have lived there or used the site for other social purposes.
