Excavations at Lio Piccolo (Cavallino-Treporti), carried out by the Ca’ Foscari University, have uncovered a precious agate stone carved with a mythological figure in a flooded Roman site.
The researchers found the ancient piece of jewellery during an excavation dive in Lio Piccolo, a village north of the city of Venice.
The polished agate gemstone is engraved with a mythological figure and is considered an unusual artefact, particularly in an underwater environment. The high quality of the jewellery suggests that wealthy Romans visited the area.
Professor Carlo Beltrame, who led the excavation with Dr Elisa Costa, said in a statement that it was a rare find, especially in an underwater environment.
“In a lagoon environment it is a rather rare find, so far we have news of two other precious gems found in Torcello and Barena del Vigno,” Beltrame said.
Lio Piccolo was, and still is, a thriving fishing area. Underwater excavations have helped archaeologists understand the history of the area.
A structure with a brick base and oak walls dating from the first and second centuries AD sits 11 metres below the surface. Initially, researchers thought it was used for oyster conservation and farming, but it was later determined to be a holding tank for oysters prior to consumption.
Lio Piccolo was, and still is, a thriving fishing area. Underwater excavations have helped archaeologists to understand the history of the area.
A structure with a brick base and oak walls dating from the first and second centuries AD lies 11 metres below the surface. Initially, researchers thought it was used for oyster conservation and farming, but it was later determined to be a holding tank for oysters prior to consumption.
