Recent archaeological developments in Rome

A new home for the Ara Pacis altar, a masterpiece dating from 13 BC that commemorates the military victories of Roman Emperor Augustus, opened in 2006. The Ara Pacis Museum, designed by American architect Richard Meier and one of the first contemporary additions to Rome's historic center, was wid...

A new home for the Ara Pacis altar, a masterpiece dating from 13 BC that commemorates the military victories of Roman Emperor Augustus, opened in 2006. The Ara Pacis Museum, designed by American architect Richard Meier and one of the first contemporary additions to Rome's historic center, was widely reviled by traditionalists, including Rome's new mayor, Gianni Alemanno. Aesthetics aside, the low-slung, modernistic building on the banks of the Tiber has given a dramatic, new showcase to one of Rome's greatest Classical treasures.

In the basement of the 16th century Palazzo Valentini, administrative headquarters for the province of Rome near Piazza Venezia, an ongoing dig has uncovered two richly decorated patrician villas in the once-teeming heart of the Imperial capital. Italian science journalist Piero Angela was tapped to elucidate the site, resulting in a computer-generated, virtual-reality reconstruction that will eventually be shared with visitors.

Last September, Mayor Alemanno halted construction of a parking garage in the Pincio, Rome's fabled aerie overlooking the Piazza del Popolo, which would have gouged out the remains of a villa owned by the late Republican-era general and philosopher Lucullus.

Heavy rain in December forced the closure of Domus Aurea, a once sumptuous palace owned by the Emperor Nero just east of the Colosseum. The site, long troubled by structural weakness, had been open to visitors on a limited basis.

Construction of Rome's Renzo Piano-designed Parco della Musica was delayed for a year when workers discovered the ruins of an ancient villa. The architect then incorporated the discoveries into the plan, adding a small archaeological museum to the concert and conference center that opened in 2002.