The funeral chapel will be set up at the Senate of the Republic, Sala Nassirya, on Monday 17th from 10am to 6pm.
La Russa: «He served the institutions with passion and competence»
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Cesare Cursi, a Law graduate and cassation lawyer, has long been involved in institutions, including the Chamber of deputies and the Senate of the Republic. A long-standing figure in Italian politics, Cursi began his institutional activity as head of Amintore Fanfani’s secretariat, then continuing a parliamentary commitment that lasted four legislatures in the Senate and one in the Chamber. During the 12th legislature, his only one as a deputy, he stood out as the most active parliamentarian, with 106 bills presented, a figure that placed him at the top of the legislative initiative of the time. He was also undersecretary for Transport and subsequently undersecretary for Health, holding important positions in two strategic sectors for the country.
Rome’s New Underground City: A Network of Ancient Tunnels Revealed
2025/11/15 21:44:36
Rome, a city steeped in history, continues to unveil its secrets beneath the bustling modern streets.Recent archaeological excavations have revealed a vast and remarkably well-preserved network of underground tunnels dating back to the Roman Republic and Imperial eras. this finding promises to reshape our understanding of ancient Roman urban planning,infrastructure,and daily life.
A Labyrinth Beneath the City
The tunnels,located near the Roman forum,were initially discovered during routine construction work for a new metro line. What began as an unexpected delay quickly transformed into a major archaeological undertaking.Archaeologists have now mapped over a kilometer of interconnected passageways, chambers, and vaulted spaces. The complexity of the network suggests it wasn’t a single,unified project,but rather a series of constructions built and modified over centuries.
Purpose and Function
The exact purpose of these tunnels remains a subject of ongoing research,but several theories have emerged.Evidence suggests they served multiple functions. One primary use appears to have been as a sophisticated drainage system, managing the often-turbulent waters of the Tiber River and preventing flooding in the low-lying areas around the Forum. The tunnels incorporated advanced engineering techniques, including carefully sloped floors and strategically placed settling tanks to filter sediment.
However, the tunnels weren’t solely utilitarian. Several chambers exhibit architectural features indicative of more specialized uses. Some are adorned with remnants of frescoes and mosaics, suggesting they may have been used for storage, workshops, or even clandestine meetings. The discovery of votive offerings and ritualistic objects in certain areas hints at possible religious or cultic practices.
Insights into Roman Engineering
The construction of these tunnels showcases the remarkable engineering prowess of the ancient romans. The tunnels were excavated using a combination of hand tools and techniques, demonstrating a deep understanding of geology and soil mechanics.The use of opus caementicium (Roman concrete) in the tunnel linings is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the durability and longevity of Roman construction methods.
“This is a truly exceptional find,” says Dr. Isabella Rossi, lead archaeologist on the project. “The level of preservation is remarkable. It’s like stepping back in time and walking through the city as it was over 2,000 years ago. These tunnels offer a unique window into the hidden infrastructure that supported the Roman Empire.”
Preservation and Future exploration
The preservation of the tunnels is now a top priority. A team of conservationists is working to stabilize the structures and prevent further deterioration. Plans are underway to open a portion of the tunnel network to the public, allowing visitors to experience this hidden world firsthand.
Further excavations are planned in the surrounding areas,with the hope of uncovering even more of this subterranean city. Archaeologists believe that the network may extend for several kilometers, possibly connecting various key sites throughout Rome. This discovery promises to continue yielding new insights into the history and culture of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
ArcheoRoma provides further details on archaeological sites in Rome. for details on Roman engineering, see Roman Concrete.