Underground Pagan Discovery In Rome

An underground pagan basilica, discovered by accident in 1917, has been unveiled in Rome for the first time.

17:32 24 November 2015

A stunning underground basilica, which was discovered by accident in 1917, has been unveiled for the first time in Rome.

 

The architectural marvel is located 40ft below street level and forms a museum to a long-lost cult. Its walls feature stucco reliefs of gods, goddesses, winged cherubs and pygmies, including Paris, Hercules, Achilles, and Orpheus.

 

The basilica is thought to have been built by the influential Statilius family for the followers of Neopythagoreanism. Based on reports, the mother of Emperor Nero accused the family of black magic and were investigated.

 

Dr Giovanna Bandini, the director of the site, said: "There were lots of cults worshipped at the time and the empire was in general fairly tolerant towards them.

 

"But this one was seen as a threat because it discounted the idea of the emperor as a divine mediator between mortals and the gods.”

 

"This place is unique in the Roman world in terms of its architecture and design. It was a precursor to the basilicas built during the Christian era, centuries later."