Christopher Woodward

A dramatic streak

Late in the 19th century, archaeologists digging in the Roman Forum discovered a lime kiln.

issue 13 February 2010

Late in the 19th century, archaeologists digging in the Roman Forum discovered a lime kiln. It had been built to incinerate marble into an aggregate for the mortar for the new structures of the Middle Ages. Inside were statues of six Vestal Virgins, stashed together like firewood. Their arms had been snapped off.

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