Lost Treasures of Rome Season 1 Episode 2 Rome's Sunken Secrets

In the second episode of Lost Treasures of Rome, titled "Rome's Sunken Secrets," the focus shifts to the city's rich history that lies beneath its waterways. Hosted by Bettany Hughes, the show explores the subaquatic world of the Tiber River, which runs through the heart of Rome.

Beneath the murky waters of the Tiber, an entire lost world awaits to be discovered, filled with treasures and artifacts that hold clues to Rome's past. Hughes meets with experts from various fields to uncover what lies beneath the surface. The episode starts with Hughes talking to a group of archaeologists and historians who have made significant discoveries in the river over the years. Among them is Dr. Dario Del Bufalo, who has spent decades studying the Tiber and has had some of the most exciting finds in his career.

The episode follows Hughes and Del Bufalo to some of the most significant archaeological sites in the river. The first stop is one of the oldest bridges in Rome, the Pons Sublicius, which was believed to have been built in the 6th century BCE. Underneath the bridge lies a layer of sediment filled with ancient treasures and artifacts that have been preserved for centuries. Del Bufalo takes Hughes to the site, and they both dive into the water to explore the area.

The show then moves on to the port of Rome, known as Portus Tiberinus. The area was once a thriving commercial hub and served as the gateway for goods coming into the city. Hughes and her team dive into the water to explore the port's structures that have been hidden for centuries beneath the waves. They find ancient walls that once guarded the port and fragments of Roman pottery that were used to transport olive oil, wine, and other commodities.

After exploring the port of Rome, the show moves on to an iconic landmark of the city, the Tiber Island. The island is where the first hospital in Rome was built in the 4th century BCE. The island also played an important role in Roman mythology and was frequently mentioned in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. Hughes dives beneath the water to explore the area around the island and finds some surprising artifacts that have been concealed for centuries.

The final portion of the episode focuses on the Tiber's role in shaping Rome's history and culture. The river has been central to the city's development since the founding of Rome over 2,500 years ago. Hughes meets with Dr. Marina Piranomonte, a historian who has written extensively on the topic of the Tiber and its significance in Rome's history. They discuss how the river played a primary role in the city's defense and how its waters were used in religious rituals and ceremonies. The episode concludes with the message that the Tiber River and its lost treasures hold an essential place in Rome's history and that there is much more to be discovered for those willing to dive in and explore.

In conclusion, "Rome's Sunken Secrets" is an informative and captivating episode that sheds light on the hidden world beneath the Tiber River. The show's host, Bettany Hughes, does an excellent job of providing context and bringing the area's history to life. With its stunning visuals and insightful commentary, this episode is sure to appeal to history buffs and curious minds alike.