An exciting discovery in Rome!

Archaeologists excavating near the Colosseum in Rome have uncovered a remarkable find: a rare chunk of Egyptian blue pigment at the site of the ancient Roman emperor Nero’s palace, the Domus Aurea. This discovery offers valuable insight into the materials used in the construction and decoration of the palace, which was built around 2,000 years ago.

The excavation focused on a small room that functioned as a workshop during the palace’s construction. There, archaeologists discovered two rectangular tanks, which were likely used to mix materials for creating pigments to decorate the walls of the palace. Among the finds was a rare block of Egyptian blue pigment, an artificial pigment that was first developed over 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. This pigment, which was popular in the Roman Empire, was typically preserved in small amounts or as a powder, making the sizable 6-inch tall, 5-pound chunk a unique and extraordinary find. The pigment's vibrant azure color indicates its high quality and significance in the context of Roman art and architecture.

Egyptian blue, also known as calcium copper silicate, was the first synthetic pigment produced by humans. Its chemical composition allowed it to be durable and intensely vibrant, making it highly prized in both ancient Egypt and Rome. The presence of this pigment at the Domus Aurea adds to our understanding of the sophisticated techniques and materials used by the Romans in their architectural projects.

This discovery not only provides new information about the use of pigments in ancient Rome but sheds light on the broader technological advancements in material science during antiquity. The ongoing excavations at the Domus Aurea continue to reveal important details about the grandeur and artistic sophistication of Nero's palace.