Ancient underwater structure found off the shores of Italy
- Archaeologists discovered an extraordinary underwater structure near Italy's coast.
- This structure adds to the hidden treasures beyond Rome's iconic buildings.
- The findings suggest a rich history awaiting exploration beneath the waters.
Archaeologists found a big Roman building under the sea near Puglia. They found a column made of cipollino marble in 2021, which led them to discover a circular structure underwater. The structure is 50 meters wide and has brick walls built on clay. The walls were made using a special method with triangular bricks and pebbles to resist the sea. This shows how smart the Romans were in building things that last long in the water. The archaeologists also found opus spicatum flooring at the site, which is a type of masonry popular in Roman times. They also discovered opus signinum, a Roman concrete made of gravel and stone pieces. These findings suggest that the building was part of a fancy Roman villa that is still hidden under the sand nearby. The team is now working to explore more of the site and protect it from erosion.