Curiae Veteres Sanctuary in Rome Attracts the Curious

New York Times ^ | August 11, 2015 | Elisabetta Povoledo

[SunkenCiv]

Archaeologists working on the Palatine Hill here this summer excavated parts of sixth-century B.C. foundations connected to a sanctuary of a cult that ancient sources trace back to Romulus, Rome’s mythic founder — a rare find from such an early period.

The discovery, archaeologists say, will probably lead to further exploration for even more ancient elements of the sanctuary, called the Curiae Veteres. The remains came to light during a continuing dig of the northeast slope of the hill. The most recent phase of the dig ended last month...

The Curiae Veteres was among the most important buildings of that time, a place where Romans assembled to worship, and one of the points that defined the Romulean city. Ancient sources recount the tradition that Romulus, said to have founded Rome in 753 B.C., divided the population into 30 curiae, or neighborhoods, much like today’s boroughs.

The sanctuary, believed to have its roots in the eighth century B.C., was destroyed when fire swept through the city in A.D. 64. It was rebuilt a few years later by the Flavian emperors, and was used until the end of the fourth century, when pagan cults were banned.

[SunkenCiv]

Part of a sixth-century B.C. cup found in a dig that included the Curiae Veteres in Rome. Credit Courtesy of Antonio Ferrandes

[Jim from C-Town]

I would say it is a B cup!

[SunkenCiv]

“She’s a good looking image on a vase.” — Bill Clinton

[Oratam]

". . . used until the end of the fourth century, when pagan cults were banned."

Now revived under Emperor Obama. The editors of The New York Times rejoice!

[SunkenCiv]

[BenLurkin]

Curiae Veteres

“The Ancient Courts”

[submarinerswife]

I would say it is a B cup!

LOL