Archaeologists uncover ancient Roman structure near the Colosseum

PC: A worker cleans a mosaic floor uncovered during archaeological excavations at Villa Celimontana in Rome, Italy. Reuters Archaeologists in Rome have uncovered a second-century building featuring mosaics and painted ceilings in the Villa Celimontana park, close to the Colosseum, that may once have served as barracks for the city's ancient firefighters. Five of the structure's eight rooms have now been fully excavated on the Caelian Hill, one of Rome's seven historic hills, within a park that was originally a noble residence dating to the 16th century. The finding has drawn attention because of its striking similarities to known firefighters' barracks elsewhere in the Roman world, though experts caution that an alternative explanation remains possible until further study is completed.How did archaeologists uncover the ancient Roman building near the ColosseumThe excavation, carried out by Rome's Special Superintendency, has revealed a substantial second-century structure with decorative elements that point to a building of some significance. Among the finds is a mosaic depicting a dolphin, a fish, a lobster and a crab arranged around a large two-handled vase, alongside the remains...