Archaeologists Discover Ancient Burial Site Underneath A Rugby Stadium In Rome

October 17, 2008 11:48 a.m. EST

Rome, Italy (AHN) - A major archaeological find that yielded tombs, baths and other artifacts under a rugby stadium was revealed by the Italian Culture Ministry in a press conference Thursday.

The ministry said the place may have been the burial grounds of Romans during the Dark Ages. While it is not clear yet who were buried in the site, the archaeologists' theory is that some may have been freed Greek slaves.

Another excavation site in the northern part of Rome was found to contain the tomb of nobleman Marcus Nonius Macrinus, leader of Rome's legions during the second century AD and one of the closest aides of emperor Marcus Aurelius. The basis of archaeologists in linking the tomb to Marcinus was writings on the site.

Macrinus was the inspiration behind the movie character Maximus Decimus Meridius, performed by Russell Crowe in the film "Gladiator".

Archaeologists, while doing restoration work on royal residence on Palatine Hill, found an underground path where emperor Caligula was killed by his guards. Also discovered on the hill were frescoes and black and white mosaics dating back to the first century BC.