gems, ancient gems, glyptic, engraved gems, glass, peridot, olivine, carnelian

If visitors to this exhibition will find proof of the inexhaustible archaeological richness of the Eternal City, researchers and scholars will be able to discover wonders never seen before, freshly emerged from restoration labs and open to hypotheses of dating and interpretation. The Electa catalogue, in addition to presenting the previously unpublished treasures of ancient Urbs, brings together a series of essays that serve as the scientific foundation for understanding the most recent discoveries. The exhibition, beyond highlighting the enormous importance of preventive excavations for the purposes of preservation and the commitment of the Archaeological Superintendency of Rome to safeguarding and enhancing the archaeological heritage, was conceived with a specific aim: to reveal what and how many treasures still lie buried beneath Rome’s soil, so that the immense responsibility of protecting them—borne not only by archaeologists but by everyone—is made clear.