New discovery about the legendary cave of Rome

Italian archaeologists have claimed to have found an underground cave buried long underground, according to the ancient Romans, this is the place where a wolf has nurtured the founding twins. Rome.

This cave was named Lupercal (in ancient Roman meaning God of breeding) and was discovered on Palatine hill near the Imperial palace ruins of AugustusCesar dynasty - ancient Roman literary era great prosperity. With a height of 8m, decorated with shells, mosaic and marble, this cave was discovered during the restoration of the palace.

The twins Romulus and Remus are raised by a female wolf.(Photo: BBC News)

According to legend, the twin brothers Romulus and Remus were abandoned on the banks of the Tiber River and raised by a female wolf. Legend has it that they were the son of War god and nun Rhea Silvia, and founded Rome in Palatine in 753 BC. The war for control of the city only ended when Romulus murdered his brother Remus.

Ancient Romans often held a famous festival named Lupercalia Animal Festival on February 15 every year. At this festival, the nobility youths called Luperci (taken from lupa - the place of the wolf) must run from Lupercal around the Palatine region, a form of disinfection ritual. Naked, wearing only the goat skin, they beat women who met on the road with goatskin, a ritual that symbolizes the enhancement of fertility.

'History is mysterious'

The Italian Minister of Culture, Mr. Francesco Rutelli, during the discovery announcement said archaeologists ' have reason to believe ' that the newly discovered cave could be the legendary Lupercal cave: ' Here It may be the place to witness the legendary story of Rome, one of the most famous cities in the world, also where a female wolf bears the twins Romulus and Remus. Rome and Italy have always surprised the world because of the discoveries of archeology as well as art but it's unbelievable that our discovery has turned a place only in legend into reality. '

The camera was put into the cave, which captured the image of the cave, decorated with shells, mosaic and multicolored marble, with a white eagle in the center.(Photo: BBC News)

This ancient cave was found underground 16m in an area that had never been explored during the restoration of the palace of Emperor Augustus, the first Roman emperor .

However, it was feared that further exploration into the cave would collapse and destroy the foundation of the surrounding ruins. Therefore, archaeologists have to use endoscopic heads and laser scanners to determine the cave is round, 8m high and 7.5m in diameter. The camera was put into the cave, which captured the image of the cave, decorated with shells, mosaic and multicolored marble, with a white eagle in the center.

Further exploration inside may ruin the surrounding ruins. (Photo: BBC News)

Professor Giorgio Croci, commander of the Palatine region restoration team, said: 'People can imagine our astonishment, we almost shouted. It is clear that King Augustus wanted his mansion to be built on an extremely sacred place for Rome. '

Palatine Hill is covered by palaces and other ancient buildings, from the ruins of the 8th century BC constructions to the Medieval fortress and Renaissance villages. Part of the hill will reopen for visitors in February next year under a $ 17.7 million restoration project after decades of closure due to the risk of collapse.

Palatine area map (Photo: BBC News)

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