A Collapsed Sinkhole in Rome Reveals A Hidden City

Recently, a sinkhole collapsed in the middle of present-day Rome. Everyone was surprised to learn of the historical treasures that were unearthed. What could modern Rome possibly have to teach us about ancient Roman culture?

The sinkhole in question suddenly emerged at Rome’s Piazza Della Rotonda, right in front of the iconic Pantheon. And while sinkholes tend to be undesirable occurrences, this one has allowed us to learn some interesting facts about ancient Roman culture. 

So, if you’re visiting Rome, keep this in mind. For example, a road you drove over the night before may have caved in by morning. The age of the city, the many tunnels, catacombs, and quarries are culprits of the sinkholes that litter Rome. 

Archaeologists show up each time a sinkhole appears somewhere in Rome. It’s almost as if these experts in ancient Roman culture anticipate the manifestation of sinkholes. 

So, each time a sinkhole is discovered in Rome, they swing into action and try to study artifacts unveiled by the unexpected occurrence. 

Before repairing and filling in the Pantheon sinkhole, archaeologists found historic artifacts right in the hole. Their discoveries became a topic of discussion on the lips of residents and visitors of Rome. The findings probably relate to the historic Pantheon building that overlooks the sinkhole. 

These structures are a few of the surviving marvels of Roman history. The Pantheon is a worship center that was built over a millennium ago. The fact that the structure still stands shows how advanced ancient Rome was in art and craft. 

On the contrary, the Pantheon is still used for religious meetings. So, during the week, the building is open to tourists visiting the city of Rome. And on weekends, it is closed to the public to avoid distracting local worshippers. 

‘Pan’ means all, while ‘theos’ stands for gods. So, Pantheon interprets as a place for the worship of all gods. Therefore, by implication, the Pantheon was a worship place for the gods of ancient Rome. 

However, the building is now used as a church. Just like the faculty buildings of some Ivy League Universities, the Pantheon has changed hands and, with time, purpose. 

Agrippa was a Roman General and statesman when he built the Pantheon. So, no one can tell if he was courting Augustus’ favor or if he merely intended to honor his father-in-law. 

Emperor Minitian ruled Rome between 81 and 96 AD and was mindful enough to have the Pantheon reconstructed during his reign. But unfortunately, the reconstructed structure was again left in disrepair after it got struck by lightning in 110 AD.

However, when Emperor Hadrian came to power in 117 AD, he saw to it that the Pantheon was rebuilt. Hadrian was a lover of architecture and its artistic splendor. Besides the Pantheon, Hadrian constructed and renovated several public structures in and around Rome.

To acknowledge its original builders, Hadrian added a description outside the portico of the building. The description is still visible today and reads: “M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIVM.FECIT

That’s Greek for: “Marcus Agrippa, the son of Lucius, three times Consul, made this.”

This change did not favor the Pantheon, as the building began to suffer disuse. It wasn’t until 609 AD before anyone thought it necessary to put the Pantheon in order. That year, Pope Boniface IV asked Emperor Phocas’ permission to renovate the Pantheon. 

After some back and forth, Phocas agreed to the pope’s request. Pope Boniface IV named the church to be housed in the Pantheon “The Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs.”

With resources made available by the Pope, the crumbling parts of the Pantheon were reinforced. For example, the renovators retained the building design but improved some columns, pillars, and even the roof with concrete and bricks.

It has been named the largest copula in the world and is the largest roof design made of concrete with no reinforcement.

The original design included the hole to help early worshippers have direct access to their gods. While this may sound contradictory, modern architects have found that the oculus structurally strengthens the roof.

After considering the many artistic features of the Pantheon, Michelangelo commented that the building’s design was divinely inspired. He commended the symmetry and perfection of the Pantheon’s design.

For example, some Christian Italian monarchs were buried in the Pantheon. The famous painter, Raphael, was also buried in one of the Pantheon’s crypts. 

So, when a sinkhole opened up right in front of the Pantheon, archeologists from ANSA took it upon themselves to investigate what lies within. 

As mentioned earlier, Marcus Agrippa built the first Pantheon structure in 25 BC. So, historians think it safe to assume that the discovered stones are from the very first construction of the Pantheon.

This probably explains why the cobblestones used for the first piazza got buried underground. Interestingly, this would not be the first time that those stones were unearthed.

However, the stones were reburied and overlaid with mortar, as the workers apparently did not understand the cultural significance of these stones. But luckily, the mortar did help protect the stones.

The local mortar in question is called pozzolan, which behaves like cement when wet. It is responsible for providing a protective layer for the ancient stones.

So, the Mayor of Rome has initiated a $20.5 million initiative to repair potholes before they grow into large sinkholes. Hopefully, this will prevent future occurrences of sinkholes in public facilities.

Another sinkhole has just appeared close to a popular tourist attraction—the Colosseum. One can only imagine what historical treasures archeologists will discover there!