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Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Inside DOOMED Mt Vesuvius villa destroyed by volcano blast where famed Roman emperor may have died 2,000 years ago
That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests LAVA-LY HOME YOU'VE GOT Inside DOOMED Mt Vesuvius villa destroyed by volcano blast where famed Roman emperor may have died 2,000 years ago Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE luxurious but tragedy-stricken villa where the first Roman emperor, Augustus, is believed to have died has been unearthed after 2,000 years. Researchers from the University of Tokyo say there are a number of clues that suggest the posh villa belonged to Augustus, who lived between 63 BC and 14 AD. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath Credit: University of Japan 5 Amphora ceramic containers lined along a wall of a structure at the Somma Vesuviana site Credit: University of Japan 5 That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community Credit: University of Tokyo The 3,650-square-meter villa located at Somma Vesuviana, at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed on the day of the eruption in 79 AD. The famous buried city of Pompeii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption. The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath. It boasts five large furnaces, which are presumed to have heated an enormous bath. That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community. Carbon found inside the furnace dates back to around the first century, and suggests they went cold not long after. "There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site," Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the University of Tokyo, said. 5 The famous buried city of Pomepii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption Credit: University of Tokyo Muramatsu, who began an archaeological survey of the site in 2002, added: "It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible." The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse. Mystery as body of footless Roman with KNIFE in back found at ancient fort That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests. "It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility," said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo. The researchers also said the bath was out of use around the same time Augustus died in 14 AD, and what appeared to be a large temple was later constructed on the site. 5 The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse Credit: Getty Augustus' grave has never been found, but ancient records say he passed away at his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius. Accounts from that period also say a memorial was built there in memory of his accomplishments - but the precise location of that villa has remained a mystery. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers say another clue supporting their theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometres from Rome. "Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens' scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath," said Aoyagi, who served as the first project head of the research team. The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace in hopes of finding the remnants of ancient bath water.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Inside DOOMED Mt Vesuvius villa destroyed by volcano blast where famed Roman emperor may have died 2,000 years ago
THE luxurious but tragedy-stricken villa where the first Roman emperor, Augustus, is believed to have died has been unearthed after 2,000 years. Researchers from the University of Tokyo say there are a number of clues that suggest the posh villa belonged to Augustus, who lived between 63 BC and 14 AD. Advertisement 5 The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath Credit: University of Japan 5 Amphora ceramic containers lined along a wall of a structure at the Somma Vesuviana site Credit: University of Japan 5 That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community Credit: University of Tokyo The 3,650-square-meter villa located at Somma Vesuviana, at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed on the day of the eruption in 79 AD. The famous buried city of Pompeii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption. The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath. It boasts five large furnaces, which are presumed to have heated an enormous bath. Advertisement READ MORE ON ARCHAEOLOGY That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community. Carbon found inside the furnace dates back to around the first century, and suggests they went cold not long after. "There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site," Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the University of Tokyo, said. 5 The famous buried city of Pomepii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption Credit: University of Tokyo Advertisement Muramatsu, who began an archaeological survey of the site in 2002, added: "It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible." Most read in Science The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse. Mystery as body of footless Roman with KNIFE in back found at ancient fort That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests. "It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility," said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo. Advertisement The researchers also said the bath was out of use around the same time Augustus died in 14 AD, and what appeared to be a large temple was later constructed on the site. 5 The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse Credit: Getty Augustus' grave has never been found, but ancient records say he passed away at his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius. Accounts from that period also say a memorial was built there in memory of his accomplishments - but the precise location of that villa has remained a mystery. Advertisement Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers say another clue supporting their theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometres from Rome. "Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens' scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath," said Aoyagi, who served as the first project head of the research team. The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace in hopes of finding the remnants of ancient bath water. A brief history of the Roman Empire Here's what you need to know... The Roman Empire began shortly after the founding of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BC It reigned for around a thousand years until the fall of the last Western emperor in 476 AD During this time, the Romans ruled over many countries in Europe and parts of Africa and the Middle East At its height, 90 million people lived in the Roman Empire It evolved from a monarchy to a democratic republic to a military dictatorship and then was finally ruled by emperors One of the most well-known Roman leaders is Julius Caesar, famously assassinated in 44BC He is largely credited for his military mind and laying the foundations for the Roman Empire The spread of the Roman Empire into Britain in around 55 BC has had a lasting impact on our lives today Latin, straight roads, underfloor heating and the spread of Christianity are all attributed to the Romans
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Japan urges universities to accept students hit by US block
University of Japan (file photo: AP) TOKYO: The Japanese government has asked local universities to consider accepting students at US universities as President Donald Trump seeks to force Harvard to submit to unprecedented oversight. The Trump administration moved last week to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students, but on Friday a judge suspended the order pending a hearing. Trump is furious at Harvard for rejecting Washington's oversight on admissions and hiring, amid his claims the school is a hotbed of anti-Semitism and "woke" liberal ideology. Japanese education minister Toshiko Abe said on Tuesday that her ministry has asked Japanese universities to do what they can to help those affected. "We have asked universities to consider possible support measures such as accepting international students enrolled in US universities so that the students can continue their studies," she told a news conference. She said the United States is the most popular destination for Japanese students wishing to study abroad, and many of them have voiced worries about their status. She said her ministry will do its "utmost to ensure that young people with ambition and talent can continue their studies." The University of Tokyo, among the Japan's most prestigious universities, is considering accepting affected students in the United States, albeit on a temporary basis, the university's vice president Kaori Hayashi said in a recent interview with the Nikkei newspaper. A spokesman for Kyoto University, also an elite school, told AFP on Wednesday that the institution was considering accepting young researchers from US universities and was also reviewing what it can do to help students in the US. Taiwan's education ministry said it will try to assist students to transfer back to Taiwanese institutions. But it advised Taiwanese students at Harvard to "stay calm and wait for further updates" while the legal challenge is ongoing. "If the ban is ultimately upheld and Taiwanese students choose to return home, they may be able to continue their studies through Harvard's contingency plans (such as remote learning) or by earning transferable credits through domestic universities that have MOUs with Harvard," the ministry said in a statement sent to AFP on Wednesday. Last week, Hong Kong education secretary Christine Choi called on universities there to welcome "outstanding students from all over the world".
