Archaeologists discover giant water basin from ancient Rome

While excavating a new subway line in the heart of modern Rome, archaeologists discovered an artifact from the Italian city's past: a giant water basin.

The irrigation basin, which was found near the St. John in Lateran Basilica in modern Rome, measures an astounding 115 feet by 230 feet, making it the largest Roman water basin ever discovered.

Some of the findings will be displayed in the subway station near the basilica, and the rest of the artifacts will be taken to museums in Rome.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Latest Videos From

Watch full video here:

Rossella Rea, the dig's director, said the basin is so large it goes beyond the perimeter of the metro work site, and could hold more than one million gallons of water. It was likely used as a water reservoir for crops.